By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Wall That Heals has finally arrived. The Vietnam Veteran Memorial wall replica will make a tour through Barton County today, passing through Claflin and Hoisington before making its final stop in Great Bend. Starting Thursday, the wall will be open 24/7, but someone needs to put it up first. Former Great Bend High School Athletic Director David Meter is on the committee that helped bring the wall to Great Bend. He reached out to Panther football coach Erin Beck, who recruited some helpers.
"He reached out several months ago about trying to get some volunteers to come out and help assemble this thing," Beck said. "I knew it would be a great opportunity for our kids to get involved, give back, and learn about what this wall means."
Approximately 55 of Beck's strength and conditioning students signed up for the project. Constructing the 375-foot wall is expected to take five to six hours Wednesday. The students will be provided breakfast and lunch for a day of hard work.
"Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., Cody Schmidt will bring a bus over," said Beck. "We'll load it up and head over there. Mr. Meter said they come in about 80-pound sections, so it will take a couple guys per section."
The Wall That Heals will depart Claflin at 1:40 p.m. today, passing through Hoisington before turning south to Great Bend. The escort should arrive in Great Bend by 2:30, taking the 281-Bypass to 10th Street. Residents are encouraged to show their patriotism on Main Street between Lakin and Broadway as the escort travels through downtown Great Bend. The wall will be on display at Al Burns Memorial Field from May 11-14.