The Moving Wall, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, opened in Missoula in February 2007 with a dedication ceremony at the Fort Missoula Historical Museum that drew veterans, elected officials and community members.

The display lists the names of about 58,000 Americans who died in the Vietnam War; at the Missoula ceremony organizers said 267 of those names are for Montanans. The exhibit will be open 24 hours a day through Monday afternoon at 4 p.m., free of charge, and includes a tent with a directory and materials for making rubbings of panel names.

Missoula Mayor John Engen welcomed attendees and thanked volunteer organizers, including American Legion Post 101 and its volunteers. "It's a beautiful structure that provides poignant moments and opportunity for solemn reflection," Engen said during the ceremony, and he encouraged attendees to "spend some time walking the wall and reading the names." Dan Gallagher, identified by organizers as a Post 101 leader, coordinated the event and helped lead onstage introductions.

Organizers read a letter from U.S. Sen. Max Baucus during the program; the letter described the memorial as "a constant reminder of the sacrifices" made by service members and urged continued recognition of veterans. Father Hogan delivered an invocation and closing prayers during the event.

Former state senator and Post 101 member Mike Halligan spoke about his own service and the memorial's emotional effect. "This wall is about honoring those that never came home," Halligan said, describing the way the wall's individual names create a personal connection for visitors.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer placed a Montana flag and a cowboy hat at the apex of the wall as part of a symbolic welcome. County Commissioner Jean Curtiss also offered a county welcome and asked veterans in the crowd to identify themselves. Musical elements included a presentation of colors by the Charlotte High School drill team, the national anthem sung by student Tawny Kerr, a performance of the Montana state song by LeGrand Harvey, and violin music by Loyola High School freshman Shonna Stanton during the reading of names.

Organizers invited members of the public to come forward and read names of Montanans who died in Vietnam; the ceremony included an extended roll call naming those service members. Event volunteers staffed a tent with a directory and rubbing materials so visitors could find and make impressions of specific names.

Speakers and organizers emphasized remembrance and care for veterans and families, noting the memorial's role in personal and public reflection rather than in political debate. The ceremony closed with a candle-lighting during a performance of "Amazing Grace" and an invitation for the public to return to the exhibit during its weeklong stop in Missoula.