A very special announcement was made this afternoon that Butler, Mo. has officially been added as a destination for a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. with arrival in Bates county set for early Spring 2026.
As communities all over the United States request to have the traveling wall come to their town, only 31 will have the honor next year- and the Electric City is on that list as The Wall That Heals will arrive April 30, 2026 for a 4 day stay.
"I can't believe we got it" proclaimed Marsha Youngblood, owner of Rocking Chair Quilts in Butler. "I'm still in shock!" Rightfully so, following countless hours filling out paperwork, answering questions and working to find a location- it all paid off today as good karma stemming from a missed opportunity by Youngblood.
"Some time back, I was sorry that I missed seeing it when it was in Buckner, Mo." she said, leading her to find out more about what she didn't get to see. She started researching and got very interested. And very excited. "Man, I thought, we have to bring this to Butler!"
So, she got busy filling out applications, not thinking Butler could get it in 2026, but maybe a few years down the road, if that. After all, this display is in high demand all over the country. But by fate, "I logged in to check the list today and there it was. Butler!"
Following high fives, accolades and some celebration upon the announcement, now it's time to get busy as there is much to do. Youngblood has been working with John Gray, Northern Commissioner, who is equally excited about the project and even as the announcement was made today, he is working to form committees needed to pull the whole thing together.
Please note that bringing the wall here will be a major undertaking. First, money needs to be raised- $12,000 to get it here, then more for everything else such as porta johns, power, etc. "Our goal is $20,000 just to be sure everything is covered" said Youngblood who added that per policy, any money left over will go back to the community.
At the moment it's a full plate for Marsha, such as returning the signed contract with a security deposit due by early December. Plus finding volunteers for many positions such as tour guides, overnight watch, set up, takedown and much more.
So exactly where will the wall be on display? The grassy area north of the Butler football field, which will provide plenty of visibility as well as parking and easy foot access. She said Butler Schools gladly offered up the spot.
Our community can plan on visitors from all around the region for this momentous occasion. "Word travels fast" laughed Marsha "I already had a call from a group from Sedalia who will be making a large showing. And we also got a few donations this afternoon, too. It's coming together and this is the first day!"
Information about volunteer sign up and where donations can be made will be provided in coming days.
Meanwhile, more about The Wall That Heals can be found here https://www.vvmf.org/ and you can stay informed through the Bates County The Wall That Heals Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584036959317
