The Wall That Heals: Team Collaboration at its Finest

From July 10 through 13, Montgomery Township will host The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Open 24 hours a day at Windlestrae Park, this powerful exhibit from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) includes a Mobile Education Center and offers visitors a space for reflection, education, and remembrance.

Before the exhibit opens, a Ceremonial Motorcycle Escort will take place on Tuesday, July 8, traveling from Valley Forge National Park to Windlestrae Park. The escort will include hundreds of motorcyclists and emergency vehicles and will pass through several Montgomery County communities on its way to the park.

Preparing for what is essentially a six-day event has taken months of coordination across departments, agencies, and jurisdictions. Here’s a look at what it took to bring everything together and what we learned along the way.

Collaboration Across Departments

Hosting The Wall That Heals was more than a logistical challenge. It was a reminder of how much stronger we are when we work together. From the beginning, staff from Administration, Public Information, Police, Fire Services, Public Works, and more came to the table ready to contribute. Everyone had a voice. Ideas were shared, vetted, and assigned so that the right people could bring them to life.

Project Management and Community Engagement

The Administration and Public Information Office served as project managers, volunteer coordinators, and outreach leads. They organized all efforts and ensured the public stayed informed and involved throughout the planning process.

Security and Ceremony Leadership

The Police Department played a central role in both security and ceremonial planning. In addition to coordinating 24/7 site security, they managed logistics for the Ceremonial Motorcycle Escort and oversaw formal event ceremonies, helping to create a dignified and well-run experience.

Emergency Preparedness and Support

Fire Services led emergency planning and hosted a tabletop exercise to help identify any blind spots. They coordinated with Montgomery County to secure cooling tents and worked with surrounding municipalities on ladder arches and fire police support along the escort route.

Preparing the Park for Visitors

Public Works ensured the site was safe, accessible, and ready for all weather conditions. From setting up utilities to developing contingency plans, they made sure guests would have a smooth and respectful experience. The department’s parks crew played a key role in preparing Windlestrae Park to accommodate the thousands of expected visitors.

Quiet but Crucial Support

Several other teams provided essential behind-the-scenes help. Finance helped coordinate group tours and order supplies. Our Board of Supervisors Chairwoman contacted dignitaries for the ceremonies. IT handled signage and brought WiFi to the park to support onsite communications.

Community Partners Stepped Up

None of this would be possible without our sponsors and volunteers. Donations and hands-on help from local companies allowed us to serve visitors well and assemble The Wall with care and precision.

A Few Planning Takeaways

• Identify decision-makers early

• Clearly define roles and expectations

• Stay flexible and calm when issues arise

• Consider an emergency tabletop exercise with your county

We hope you’ll join us at Windlestrae Park from July 10 through 13 for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The exhibit is open 24 hours a day, rain or shine, and closes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 13. This special event is just one example of how our parks can bring the community together. Visit our event website for more information.