The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, opens in Emporia next week. The traveling exhibit, operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, provides a realistic and educational Vietnam Wall viewing experience that can be seen from anywhere in the country.

The effort to bring The Wall That Heals to Emporia has been nearly a year-long affair. Ed Rathke, Clay Childs, and Richelle Birk have spent hours planning the experience. For Rathke in particular, planning the exhibit educated him on aspects of Vietnam that were unfamiliar. Although the event focuses on the Vietnam War, Rathke wants every veteran to feel seen with the exhibit.

“We wanted it to be a great thing for every one of the veterans,” Rathke said. “It's not just Vietnam [veterans] but for eve

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