The Wall That Heals: A Reminder of the Power of Being of Service

Today, I visited the Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center—The Wall That Heals in Roxboro, North Carolina. I didn’t expect the wave of emotion that hit me as I approached the entrance. Before I even stepped through the gate, I felt a tightness in my throat and a rush of tears I wasn’t quite prepared for.

Stretching 350 yards wide, this traveling wall is a powerful tribute to the more than 58,000 service members who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. But what touched me just as deeply were the living, those who came to honor, remember, and serve.

There were veterans sitting quietly, present in their reflections. There were school groups arriving by the busload, learning history not just from textbooks, but from the stories etched into black stone and the hearts of those who lived it. And there were so many volunteers. Veterans giving back. Families offering their time. People are showing up.

One young boy stood out. He looked to be about 14, and I learned he and his parents had driven all the way from Washington, D.C., just to volunteer. They follow the Wall, offering their time and service wherever it goes. When I thanked him for what he was doing, I asked what kind of impact this experience had made on his life.

He paused and simply said, “I don’t know.”

As a Spiritual Life Coach, I took a moment to talk with him, not to get a deeper answer, but to offer him one. I shared with him how being of service is one of the highest vibrations we can live in. That even if he couldn’t articulate the impact yet, he was already part of something bigger than himself. And one day, he would understand that the gift of helping others is also a gift to yourself.

This visit was more than a moment, it was a message. A reminder that healing comes not only from being remembered, but from being of service. Whether you’re a veteran, a child, or simply someone who shows up, your presence, your compassion, and your willingness to give can heal wounds you may never see.

And maybe that’s the point. Sometimes, the path to our own healing begins when we help someone else carry their burden, even just for a little while

Being of Service

“Healing begins when we help someone else carry their burden.”

Honoring Through Education: Inspiring Reflection, Understanding, and Dialogue

This educational component of the Mobile Veteran Wall offers historical context, personal stories, and interactive materials designed to deepen understanding of veterans’ experiences and foster meaningful conversations across generations.

Powered by Volunteers: The Heart Behind the Wall

Dedicated volunteers make the Mobile Veteran Wall possible, contributing their time, energy, and passion to honor service members and ensure a meaningful experience for every visitor.