"The Wall That Heals," a traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., will be on exhibit at the University of South Carolina Upstate beginning today as part of the university's 40th anniversary celebration. The exhibit, located on the Main Quad behind the Administration Building, is free.

Volunteers will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to assist visitors in finding names on The Wall. A covering will be placed on top of the grass to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.

The opening ceremonies for the unveiling of The Wall will take place at 10 a.m. today, beginning with patriotic music performed by the Spartanburg High School Viking Band under the direction of Kevin Horton. USC Upstate Chancellor John Stockwell will follow with a welcome speech and introductions.

After the national anthem, posting of national and state colors, service anthems and posting of service colors, USC Upstate faculty members and Vietnam War veterans Marsha Dowell and Ron Romine will deliver remarks.

Thirteen veterans groups will then participate in the laying of wreaths in front of the wall, followed by a benediction by the Rev. Roy W. Cole from the Church of the Advent, and retirement of colors by the Spartanburg High School Junior ROTC and the South Carolina State Guard, 2nd Highland Brigade.

For more information about this and other 40th anniversary events this week, visit www.uscupstate.edu/40.