The Wall That Heals — Coming to Cookeville
October 22–25, 2026
The Wall That Heals, a traveling three-quarter–scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be on display in Cookeville, Tennessee from October 22 through October 25, 2026. This powerful memorial honors the more than 58,000 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War and brings the impact of the original Wall directly to communities across the nation.
For many, traveling to Washington, D.C. is not possible. The Wall That Heals ensures that veterans, families, students, and community members can experience the memorial close to home. Its visit to Cookeville offers a meaningful opportunity for the Upper Cumberland region to come together in honor, gratitude, and respect.
In addition to the Wall itself, the exhibit provides historical context about the Vietnam War and shares personal stories of those who served. Visitors are encouraged to leave notes, flowers, and mementos as expressions of remembrance. For many Vietnam veterans and their families, the memorial represents long-overdue recognition and a chance for healing.
Event Details
- Date: October 22–25, 2026
- Location: 2121 Event Ctr Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Time: Opens on Thursday, October 22nd for 24 hours daily and closes on Sunday, October 25th.
- Cost: Free
We invite the Cookeville community and visitors from across the region to attend this special event, to honor those who served, remember those who were lost, and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
*Photos Courtesy of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Volunteer
- Mulitple volunteer opportunities are available to support setup, outreach, and education during The Wall visit
Schedule
| Tuesday October 20th | 12:00 PM | Welcome Parade Through Cookeville (public encouraged to line streets) |
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(Route: E. Spring St. from Avery Trace Middle School, West to Tennessee Avenue, Arrival at New Fairgrounds
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| Wednesday October 21st | All Day |
The Wall That Heals Setup |
| Thursday October 22nd | 10:00am | Welcome Home Ceremony (open to public) |
| 11:00am | Wall Open for Viewing (remains open 24hrs each day) | |
| 5:30pm | Taps Played at The Wall (Cookeville High School Bugler Burgess Dement) | |
| 6:00pm | Veterans' Appreciation Dinner (Invitation Only Event) | |
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| Friday October 23rd | 6:00pm | Live Taps Played at The Wall (TN Tech Bugler Zavier Fowler) |
| 7:00pm | Light The Night - Agent Orange Commemoration Ceremony | |
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| Saturday October 24th | 6:00pm |
Live Taps Played at The Wall (Monterey High School Bugler Telia Underwood) |
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| Sunday October 25th | 1:45pm | Closing Ceremony |
| 2:00pm | The Wall Closed and Breakdown Begins |