Jean Gordon
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 2:04 pm

Rutherford County is hosting The Wall that Heals November 12-15 at the soccer fields across from Isothermal Community College. Rutherford County is the only location in North Carolina for the 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

The Wall that Heals arrives in Rutherford County on November 10 and is also the final stop of the 2026 national tour. In addition to the wall replica, there will be a mobile Education Center that can be visited during the three days.

The Wall honors the 58,21 men and women whose names are forever etched in granite as a lasting tribute to their service and service. The names of 11 Rutherford County men, killed in Vietnam from 1968-1971, are etched in the wall.

The Wall begins its stop in Rutherford County with a roll-out at noon on November 10 from High Voltage Harley Davidson in Spartanburg as motorcyclists from across the area will escort the Memorial Wall to Rutherford County. Vietnam veterans will lead the parade that will pass along Main Street in Forest City at 12:45pm, then proceed to Main Street in Spindale at 12:55pm and reach Main Street in Rutherfordton at 1pm.

People are asked to be at their chosen locations about 15 minutes early and to be prepared for the procession to arrive later than anticipated, depending on circumstances of travel.

The motorcycle escort will feature Marines, veterans and fellow riders, creating an unforgettable procession through the communities of Rutherford County. Everyone is encouraged to bring family, friends to the Main Street parades and proudly wave the America flag as the wall makes its way through Rutherford County.

Everyone is encouraged to show all Vietnam veterans how much their services, their sacrifice means to the community.

The monument will be located at the ICC Soccer Fields, located at 360 Piney Ridge Road, Spindale.

There is an anticipated arrival time at the front of Isothermal Community College between 1:15-1:45pm on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, November 11 those who have registered to volunteer will set up the wall with an anticipated soft open to public at 4pm.

On Thursday, November 12 a "Welcome Home Ceremony", begins at 4pm honoring the late Sgt. Major Don Barrett, with his son, Michael F Barrett, USMC, Retired, serving as Master of Ceremonies. Guest Speaker will be Cindy Stonebraker Reed, Founder Mission POW/MIA.

On Friday, November 13 there will be a "Bringing Light to Agent Orange, Light The Wall Orange" ceremony that will begin about 30 minutes after sunset. All those attending are asked to arrive prior to sunset. Taps will be played.

Saturday, November 14 there will be a "Ia Drang Remembrance and Wreath Laying Ceremony" with the North Carolina Army National Guard at 10:30am. A tentative special guest is Dr. Gracie Galloway, wife of the late Joe Galloway.

A Missing Man Formation Helicopter Fly Over by the North Carolina Army National Guard, depending on weather and aircraft availability, will be at 10:48am on Saturday. There will be an "In Memory" ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

There will be a closing ceremony at 1:45pm with the exhibit closing at 2pm.

For more information visit call 828-351-4955.