MESQUITE, Nev. - "The Wall That Heals," a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will return to Mesquite, Nevada, Feb. 25 - March 1. The City of Mesquite first hosted the wall nearly five years ago.

Located on the grounds of the City of Mesquite Recreation Center, the exhibit will feature the replica wall, stretching nearly 250 feet in length and containing the names of more than 58,000 men and women who died while serving the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War.  The exhibit also includes a museum and information center, providing a comprehensive educational component to enrich and complete the visitor experience.

"We are honored to have been asked by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to host "The Wall That Heals" once again," said Mesquite Mayor Susan Holecheck. "Mesquite is home to more than a thousand veterans. It's a very moving experience to be able to bring this message of healing to many who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the power of the memorial in Washington, D.C."

Since its dedication in 1996, "The Wall That Heals" has visited more than 300 cities and towns throughout the nation, spreading the memorial's healing legacy to millions and educating young people about the Vietnam War.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, a motorcycle escort from the Patriot Guard of Nevada will accompany the truck containing the replica wall from St. George, Utah to Mesquite. The Wall will be available for visitors 24 hours a day from 7 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25 through 6 a.m. on Monday, March 1. Each evening at 5 p.m. names will be read from the wall. The names selected are those who began their military service from Southern Nevada and Southern Utah, and those who have relatives currently living in the Virgin and Moapa Valleys. Daily formal ceremonies are free and open to the public:

Opening Ceremony - Thursday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m.

Service of Prayer and Reconciliation - Friday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m.

Southern Paiute Veterans Ceremony - Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.

Closing Ceremony - Sunday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m.

The 2010 visit of "The Wall That Heals" is sponsored by Greg Lee of the Eureka Hotel & Casino with the assistance of the City of Mesquite, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 993, local volunteers, the Traveling Wall committee and the local business community.

About Mesquite
Mesquite, Nevada, just 80 miles north of Las Vegas, is a growing resort destination in the picturesque Virgin River Valley.  Mesquite combines a small-town atmosphere with a multi-faceted array of big-city attractions ranging from 24-hour gaming, fine dining and world-class spas to celebrity entertainment and championship golf.  Go to www.VisitMesquite.com for more information.