BARTLESVILLE, Okla. –
A powerful symbol of remembrance is coming to Bartlesville as The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., arrives for a special four-day exhibition.
The memorial will be on display at Lee Lake Park from May 7 through 2 p.m. on May 10 and will be open to the public 24 hours a day at no cost.
Organizers say bringing the traveling memorial to Bartlesville gives families, veterans and community members an opportunity to honor those whose names are inscribed on the wall while reflecting in a local setting. Unlike the permanent memorial in Washington, The Wall That Heals also includes a mobile education center designed to deepen visitors’ understanding of the Vietnam War and its lasting impact.
The center will offer general and scheduled tours throughout the event. School groups are already planning to attend, with more than 1,100 students signed up for tours on May 7 and May 8. Organizers say the exhibit can accommodate up to 200 students per hour.
A special “In Memory” section will recognize veterans who survived the war but have since died, highlighting the lifelong effects many carried after returning home.
During the exhibition, the community will also host two ceremonies in support of veterans. A Welcome Home Ceremony is scheduled for May 7 at 6 p.m., offering a tribute to those who served. A Candlelight Ceremony will follow on May 8 at 8:30 p.m., creating a moment of reflection while raising awareness for PTSD.
The memorial’s arrival will begin with a community escort at 1 p.m. Tuesday as The Wall That Heals travels from Copan down Highway 75 to Lee Lake in Bartlesville.
The effort to bring the memorial to town has been more than a year in the making and required broad community support. More than 300 volunteers are helping operate the exhibit around the clock during its stay. Organizers say additional volunteers are still needed.
Support for the project has come from numerous businesses, civic groups and public agencies across Bartlesville, reflecting a citywide commitment to honoring veterans and educating future generations.
More information, volunteer opportunities and event details can be found atwww.thewallthathealsbartlesville2026.org.
