As the sun set on the Wall That Heals in Emporia, the night sky was illuminated by candelight as hundreds of individuals paid their respects and paused for a time of reflection on one of the most devastating impacts of the Vietnam War.
The Wall, set up at American Legion Post 5, hosted a candlelight vigil honoring those affected by Agent Orange, a chemical weapon used in the Vietnam conflict, which left many veterans with severe health issues, including cancer, skin conditions, heart disease, Parkinson’s and more. During the ceremony, the hundreds of visitors in attendance were invited to step forward and stand before the wall, which was washed in a glow of orange to honor those impacted by the use of the chemical agent.
Local organizer and veteran Clay Childs says seeing the mass of individuals who took time to come and pay tribute Friday night was an astounding sight.
While the ceremony was painful to some from an emotional standpoint, Childs says he believes the evening lived up to one of the wall’s core missions in providing an opportunity for healing for those both directly and indirectly affected by the use of Agent Orange.
Friday’s ceremony also included a time of prayer, a moment of silence, a message from Childs, the playing of Amazing Grace and Taps. The Wall That Heals remains on display 24/7 now through 1:45 pm Sunday.
KVOE News will continue to have coverage of activities associated with the wall on KVOE, KVOE.com, KVOE’s YouTube Channel and other social media platforms. We have a YouTube Short from Friday’s activities available here.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
