A replica of the iconic Vietnam War memorial has been making its way around the country, granting those who have never been to Washington, D.C. a chance to view it.
The pop-up memorial, which is a 250-foot version of the one at the nation's capital, just arrived this week in Elgin, Illinois, a city located about 40 miles northwest of The Windy City. Chicago's Daily Herald reports that it will open to the public Thursday, Sep. 19 at the city's Civic Center Plaza.
Called "The Wall that Heals," the memorial features the names of the 58,200 soldiers that died during the Vietnam War, the traveling replica is part of a project by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. According to the organization's website, the exhibit began in 1996 and has visited roughly 350 cities.
Barbara Dobek, the organization's site manager, told the news source that she has journeyed around the country for the last 3 years with the memorial. She believes it's a great homage to Vietnam veterans who risked their lives more than 40 years ago.
"This gives (veterans) the chance to be welcomed home, for those who didn't get that honor," Dobek said.
In addition to the 250-foot memorial, the exhibit also includes various photographs, documents and a map of Vietnam complete with a war timeline.
The traveling memorial has a busy schedule. This year, it will stop in 29 separate sites throughout the nation. It's next destination is Auburn, Wash.