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‘Wall That Heals’ coming to Ellensburg in September; volunteers and donations requested
Summary
Organizers told the City Council the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund replica — the Wall That Heals — will be displayed at Rotary Park Sept. 4–7 and asked for use of the park and volunteer support; they said private sponsors will cover base costs.
Representatives of the Ellensburg Downtown Rotary told the City Council on Tuesday that the national traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as the Wall That Heals, will visit Ellensburg from Sept. 4–7 with setup beginning Sept. 2 and tear-down on Sept. 7.
Russell Colmore, speaking for Ellensburg Downtown Rotary and local Rotaries in Kittitas County, and Henry Johnston, a local resident and funeral director, outlined logistics for the 3/4-scale replica and the accompanying mobile education unit. The wall will be sited at Rotary Park, they said, and will be open 24 hours a day while on display.
Johnston said the event will include nightly ceremonies, special observances for POW/MIA and Agent Orange-affected veterans, and a procession on Main Street into Rotary Park. He said the wall’s mobile education unit contains video displays and community photos; the Wall That Heals has visited more than 800 communities, he said.
Organizers said the hard costs to bring the wall to Ellensburg are being covered by private sponsors: Kelleher Motor Company and Johnston and Williams Funeral Home have agreed to evenly split the expense. Organizers emphasized they are not seeking city funding; their request to the council was for use of Rotary Park and “Brad’s time” in staff logistics support.
Volunteer needs and schedule: organizers said the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund estimates 150 to 175 volunteers are needed across the full span of the event, but volunteers can sign up for single evening or overnight shifts; SignUpGenius will be used for scheduling. Construction of the wall is planned for Sept. 3 at 8:00 a.m. sharp (organizers said military crew timing is strict), opening ceremonies on Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. and closing ceremonies Sept. 7 with a 2 p.m. close and breakdown beginning at 2:15 p.m.
Council and public response included offers from local American Legion Riders and other veterans’ groups to assist with procession and volunteer recruitment. Council thanked organizers and noted staff will coordinate logistics and permitting needed to hold the display at Rotary Park.
Ending: Organizers said they will provide periodic updates to the council, expect to launch a website and volunteer sign-up by March, and will return to the council with status reports in spring. They reiterated no city funds are being requested and that private sponsors will cover the event’s base costs.
