Over 500 motorcyclists escort The Wall That Heals through Rutherfordton

Students, veterans and residents welcome traveling Vietnam memorial ahead of its four-day exhibit in Spindale.

Approximately 600 motorcyclists escorted The Wall That Heals through Rutherfordton on Tuesday, Nov. 10, as students, veterans and residents gathered along Main Street to welcome the traveling Vietnam memorial.

The procession continued to Isothermal Community College in Spindale, where the exhibit opens Thursday, Nov. 12, for four days of free public viewing.

American flags marked the route on the eve of Veterans Day. Students from Trinity Christian School, Rutherfordton Elementary School, R-S Middle School and R-S Central High School joined the welcome, according to a Nov. 10 town social media statement.

“These are the moments that remind us why teaching the next generation about service and sacrifice matters so much,” the town said.

Rutherfordton Fire & Rescue displayed a large American flag over Main Street, provided by Woodmen of the World. Rutherfordton police and the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office helped lead the procession, while other law enforcement agencies, fire departments, Rutherford County Emergency Management, and public safety personnel helped coordinate the escort.

The town also thanked the local organizing committee and volunteers who worked to bring the exhibit to Rutherford County.

“From Main Street in Rutherfordton to the final arrival at Isothermal Community College, what a welcome home!” the town said.

The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. It bears the names of 58,281 service members who died in the Vietnam War or remain unaccounted for, according to the local organizing committee. The exhibit also includes a mobile education center.

The memorial will be displayed at the college’s soccer fields at 360 Piney Ridge Road. An official Welcome Home Ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday.

Additional ceremonies announced by the town include:

• Friday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m.: Bringing Light to Agent Orange Ceremony.

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m.: Ia Drang Remembrance and Wreath-Laying Ceremony.

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 4 p.m.: In Memory Service.

  
  

Admission is free, with around-the-clock viewing during the exhibit’s visit. A closing ceremony is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, before the exhibit closes at 2 p.m.

Organizers say free parking, accessible parking, and accessible access will be available on campus.

“To our Vietnam veterans, WELCOME HOME!” the town said.

For additional details, read our earlier coverage.