He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington. The Moving Wall was built by John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers. It went on display in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from March to December, spending about a week at each site.
Sponsors are frequently civic groups, schools, or veterans' organizations.
Sponsoring usually requires months of planning by dozens of local volunteers. Many volunteers are needed at each site of a visit of The Moving Wall, as most sponsors are non-profit organizations. The local sponsor organization determines how volunteers may participate. Volunteers may help during the week of the visit or assist with the months of planning and preparations. Volunteer jobs include helping visitors find names, security, assembly and disassembly, food preparation, parking, cleanup, and more.