Whether present at Thursday's ceremony or in their eternal rest, each Vietnam veteran's story shares common threads while remaining unrepeated.

One of the speakers noted that there were 61 Trumbull County servicemen who gave their lives In Vietnam. Their names are among those etched into 'The Wall That Heals'.

"This is an exact three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall down in Washington, D.C.", says Sandra Nugent, site manager with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

The replica is transported, handled and assembled under the most strict supervision and care.
Nugent told 21 News that unlike other for-profit replicas, this one is wholly funded by donations.
She then explained why the original architect chose to symbolize an open wound.

"People were angry with the war, they were upset by the war, and they took that anger out on our veterans. I would like to think that a lot has changed since then."

And in these prodigiously divisive times, the exhibit carries with it the hope that the sacrifice of our veterans isn't made in vain.

"All wounds heal, and the concept behind this wall was to not only ensure every 58,281 Vietnam veterans are remembered, but it's also to heal the community and heal a nation," Nugent said.

The exhibit is on the south lawn of Packard Music Hall. Other planned events include a "Kids Day" on May 30 from 1-3 p.m. and a "Medal of Honor: A Tribute to the Fallen" event on May 31 at 2 p.m.

The exhibit will close at noon on June 1.

Veterans' resources will be available daily in the Shelter House starting at 9 a.m.