City of Brookings Government

06/14/2026

ICYMI: Watch this KELOLAND News story about The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Today - Flag Day - is your last chance to experience The Wall while it is in Brookings.

The exhibit closes today at 2:00 p.m. Final “Taps” will be played at 1:58 p.m.

📍Fishback Soccer Complex, 1100 20th St. S., Brookings, South Dakota

“The Wall That Heals is a three quarter replica of the Vietnam Wall in DC. And it travels around the United States,” Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director, Kristin Zimmerman said.

06/13/2026

ICYMI: Hear from De Smet native and long-time Brookings resident Lyle Bowes and his friend, White native Gene Murphy talk about their shared experience in the Vietnam War. They visited The Wall That Heals together on Thursday.

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

It is in Brookings and open 24 hours until 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14.

📍Fishback Soccer Complex, 1100 20th St. S., Brookings, SD.

"The Wall That Heals," a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, is now open in Brookings and free for the public to visit.

Story>>https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/06/12/wall-that-heals-vietnam-memorial-replica-comes-brookings/

06/13/2026

Vietnam Veteran, Jeff West shares how The Wall is a healing experience.

Whether you visit at sunrise, sunset, under the sun or under the stars, this memorial offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.

The Wall That Heals is open 24 hours a day and will close at 2 PM on Sunday, June 14. We invite you to visit, reflect, remember, and honor those who served.

📍Fishback Soccer Complex, 1100 20th St. S., Brookings, SD

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

06/13/2026

Last night, The Wall That Heals took on a different kind of glow beneath our South Dakota sky.

Illuminated in teal for PTSD awareness, the memorial stood as a powerful reminder of not only those whose names are etched on The Wall, but also the veterans who continue to carry the visible and invisible impacts of service.

Special thanks to Brookings resident and bagpiper Jerry Cooley and to Brookings Community Band member Murray Hunter for performing “Taps”.

Thank you to everyone who braved the rain and joined us for the meaningful evening of remembrance, reflection, and healing.

The Wall That Heals remains open through today and will close at 2 PM Sunday, June 14. If you haven’t visited yet, there is still time to experience it before The Wall That Heals begins its journey to the next community.

📍Fishback Soccer Complex, 1100 20th St. S., Brookings, SD

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

06/12/2026

Yesterday (Thursday, June 11), we gathered to officially open The Wall That Heals and – perhaps more importantly – to say two words many Vietnam veterans never heard when they returned home: Welcome Home. 🇺🇸

Thank you to the veterans, families, volunteers, and community members who joined us for the Welcome Home Ceremony to honor the service, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served during the Vietnam War. 🫶🏼

📹 Watch for video of the Welcome Home Ceremony to be posted next week.

If you have not yet visited The Wall That Heals, there is still time. The Wall That Heals is open 24 hours a day until it closes at 2 PM on Sunday, June 14. We invite you to visit, reflect, and pay tribute before the memorial continues its journey to the next community.

Be a part of this impactful moment in our community. Visit The Wall That Heals:
📍Fishback Soccer Complex
📅June 11–14, 2026



American Legion Post 74 Brookings, SD Brookings County, SD Brookings County Veterans Service Office American Legion - Burrows-Young Post 114 Visit Brookings Brookings Regional Growth Alliance Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

06/12/2026

morning's sunrise over The Wall That Heals served as a reminder that our time with the memorial is limited, but the stories and sacrifices it honors are lasting.

Whether you visit at sunrise, sunset, under the sun or under the stars, this memorial offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.

There are only two sunrises left before The Wall That Heals leaves Brookings and begins its journey to its next community.

The Wall That Heals is open 24 hours a day and will close at 2 PM on Sunday, June 14.

We invite you to visit, reflect, remember, and honor those who served.

📍Fishback Soccer Complex, 1100 20th St S, Brookings, SD

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

06/12/2026

A reminder that Light the Night at The Wall That Heals will take place this evening, bringing our community together to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and support those impacted by trauma.

At sunset, The Wall will be illuminated in teal, the color associated with PTSD awareness. This ceremony encourages conversation, helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and reminds those who may be struggling that support is available.

📍1100 20th St S, Fishback Soccer Complex
🕤 9:30 PM (Sunset)

We hope you'll join us as we shine a light on PTSD awareness and support those affected by trauma.

06/11/2026

BMU Water Main Project – Phase 6 | Project Update | June 11, 2026

Construction is ongoing for Phase 6 of the BMU Water Main Project, which includes installing a new 16-inch treated water main along the U.S. Highway 14 Bypass.

🚧In Progress: 22nd Ave closure and reconstruction.

06/11/2026

Many volunteers came out yesterday to help set up The Wall That Heals.

One of those volunteers is Vietnam veteran John Parenteau from Saint Paul, Minnesota.

For John, volunteering at The Wall That Heals is about remembering and honoring the 10 members of his community who are etched onto The Wall.

This will be John’s 10th time volunteering at The Wall That Heals.

There are still volunteer opportunities if you are interested, including disassembling The Wall on Sunday at 2PM. Sign up is preferred at https://ow.ly/2zQM50Z6E8B, but walk-in volunteers for disassembly is also accepted.

Be a part of this impactful moment in our community.

Visit The Wall That Heals:
📍Fishback Soccer Complex
📅June 11–14, 2026

06/11/2026

Every stop of The Wall That Heals begins with a journey.

Meet Marty Ellis, a veteran from Missouri and a driver for Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) who volunteered to bring The Wall That Heals to Brookings.

Marty and OOIDA donated their time, fuel and equipment to transport the memorial more than 10 hours from Reynolds, Indiana, to Brookings.

This is the first time Marty and OOIDA have transported The Wall, but it's been on their bucket list for some time. The purchase of their new truck - The Spirit of the American Trucker - made their dream possible.

Marty is no stranger to South Dakota. He spent several years driving for a trucking company based in Brandon and volunteered time with the South Dakota Convoy for Special Olympics.

Marty and OOIDA are part of a dedicated network of volunteers across the country who help ensure The Wall That Heals reaches communities like ours, honoring the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.

We're grateful for their service, both in uniform and on the road. Thank you Marty and OOIDA for helping bring this meaninful experience to our community.