You can see the Vietnam Wall without going to Washington, D.C. A traveling, replica of the memorial is on display at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Augusta through Sunday, June 29.

The 240-foot long, eight-foot high wall, like the one in Washington, D.C., is engraved with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or went missing during the Vietnam War.

For Deborah Gartrell, the wall coming to Augusta is her chance to connect with the father she lost so long ago.

“My dad was killed when I was seven so I don't really remember a lot about him. It means a lot to see his name,” said Gartrell.

Many joined in the opening ceremony for the wall to pay their respects.

“I don't personally know anyone here but my paw paw is a Vietnam veteran and some of the people that were in his unit are on here,” said Keeli Joiner, visitor.

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall travels around the country for people who may never be able to make the trip to the real memorial in Washington, D.C.

“We have 63,000 Vietnam veterans living within a 100 mile radius of Augusta. This is very important to them, to this community to really honor them,” said Mayor Deke Copenhaver.

The wall gives visitors the opportunity to see, to touch and maybe most importantly to keep the memories of those lost alive.

“It's something really good for our country and we need to be able to remember them,” said Gartrell.

Again, the replica is on display at the Hillcrest Memorial Park on Deans Bridge Road. It's free and open to the public.