BROOKINGS, S.D. – A traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will arrive in Brookings this week, giving area veterans, families and the public an opportunity to honor those who served and died in the Vietnam War.
Brookings was selected as one of only 31 communities nationwide to host The Wall That Heals during its 2026 national tour. It will be the exhibit’s only stop in South Dakota this year.
“As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, Brookings is humbled to serve as a place of remembrance, reflection and honoring of our Vietnam veterans,” said Kristin Zimmerman, director of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.
The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter-scale replica of the memorial in Washington, D.C. It will be displayed from June 11-14 at the Fishback Soccer Complex, 1100 20th St. S. Free for all ages to experience, the exhibit will be open 24 hours a day starting Thursday, June 11, and ending at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14.
Operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit connected to the Washington, D.C., memorial and features the country’s largest mobile replica of The Wall. The three-quarter-scale exhibit stretches 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors can walk along the rising panels toward the apex, mirroring the design of the Memorial in Washington, D.C., and also make name rubbings of individual service members.
The Wall will arrive in Brookings on Tuesday, June 9, with a motorcade escort and watch locations along the route. Assembly will begin at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10. Disassembly will start at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14.
Zimmerman is leading the project and said it has special meaning to her.
“I’m a military child, born and raised. My grandfather was in the Korean War, my dad was in Operation Desert Storm, Vietnam and all other conflicts in between,” she said. “I’m excited for people in Brookings and the region to visit The Wall That Heals. I’m sure it will be a moving experience for all who do.”
The traveling exhibit honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The exhibit also includes a mobile education center focused on the history of the Vietnam War, the experiences of veterans, and an In Memory feature that honors Vietnam War veterans from South Dakota who returned home from service but later died as a result of their time in the war. Volunteers are needed to help with The Wall That Heals. To sign up, go to www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/TheWallThatHealsBrookings2026.
The Wall That Heals Schedule of Events
Several special events will occur, starting Tuesday, June 9, with The Wall’s arrival. “Taps” will be performed at sunset June 11-13. Details can be found online at www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/TheWallThatHealsBrookings2026.
Guided Tours
Guided tours will be offered for all ages Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The tour times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. One exception: The 9 a.m. tour will not be offered Thursday due to the Welcome Home Ceremony that will happen at that time.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, June 9:
· 1:00 PM – The public is encouraged to help welcome The Wall That Heals motorcade escort to Brookings. The Rolling Thunder and others will help escort the motorcade as it winds its way through Brookings to Fishback Soccer Complex. A map of the route, along with watch areas, can be found online.
Wednesday, June 10:
· Assembly of The Wall will start at 8:30 a.m. at Fishback Soccer Complex. Volunteers are welcome to help.
Thursday, June 11:
· 9:00 AM – A patriotic Welcome Home Ceremony will mark the official opening of The Wall.
Friday, June 12:
· Evening – A “Light the Night in Teal for PTSD Awareness Month” ceremony will take place. In the evening leading up to sunset, The Wall will be lit in teal, the official color for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Saturday, June 13:
· No special events.
Sunday, June 14:
· 1:30 PM – Closing ceremony to thank volunteers
· 1:58 PM – final performance of “Taps”
· 2:00 PM – Disassembly begins. Volunteers are welcome to help.