By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Visitors entering Patriot Thunder's Wall of Heroes may not know what to expect. Unlike the quiet reflection often associated with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the multimedia exhibit uses music, lighting, video and storytelling to create an energetic and emotional experience that still evokes many of the same feelings of gratitude, sacrifice and remembrance.
As the presentation progresses, guests are led through American history, military service and personal sacrifice before being challenged to consider their own role as citizens and stewards of the nation's future.
The traveling exhibit recently stopped in North Platte, drawing community members to experience what organizers describe as a living tribute to veterans, first responders and the freedoms enjoyed by Americans today.
Designed by Omaha-based artist Tim Ambrose, the Wall of Heroes combines large-scale visual displays, historical imagery, patriotic music and immersive storytelling in a presentation that aims to leave visitors both reflective and inspired.
"It starts out slow and historical," Ambrose said. "Then it moves you into a place that you're comfortable with, recognizing first responders, the Coast Guard, National Guard, military branches and presidents. Then it changes."
According to Ambrose, the exhibit is carefully designed to guide visitors through a range of emotions.
"There's a little bit of Hollywood trickery in this," he said. "Powerful music associated with imagery takes a person places they didn't expect that they would go. They feel a lot of things they didn't expect that they would feel."
By the end of the presentation, Ambrose said visitors often realize the exhibit is about more than remembering the sacrifices of others.
"People come in to see a memorial or remembrance of those who have served," he said. "Then it becomes, 'Wait a minute. They sacrificed for me. Now it's my job.' It's a call to action to be a good citizen, to know your past and understand where we're at."
Ambrose originally moved from Los Angeles to Nebraska in 2019 to build the project. What began as a temporary move eventually became permanent.
"I fell in love with Nebraska," he said. "People are real here. It's beautiful. Crime is low, houses are affordable and people care about each other."
The Wall of Heroes began as a vision Ambrose had in 2016. Despite concerns about the project's size and cost, he remained committed to bringing it to life.
"I didn't know how it was going to get done," he said. "I only knew it would get done."
Throughout the presentation, organizers highlighted several symbolic displays that travel with the exhibit.
One display features a Missing Man Table, complete with an empty chair, an inverted glass, a folded flag and a candle, representing service members who never returned home.
Another display, known as the Community Table, is designed to encourage conversation and understanding between people with differing viewpoints. The table includes empty notepads, pencils and chairs facing one another, symbolizing respectful dialogue and the sharing of ideas.
"We're trying to express to our youth—and really everyone—that it's okay to sit across from someone you disagree with," organizers explained during the presentation. "Share ideas, be calm, be respectful and learn from each other."
For Patriot Thunder Tour Manager Tony Barton, the exhibit's impact remains powerful no matter how many times he experiences it.
"I've seen this program dozens of times," Barton said. "And it hits different every time because there's always something I didn't see before."
Barton said the organization's mission extends beyond honoring military service.
"It's about reigniting patriotism and love of country," he said. "We have liberties and freedoms that people around the world wish they had. That's why people come here."
Patriot Thunder plans to continue taking the exhibit across the country, with organizers hoping to visit every state by 2028.
The organization is currently raising funds to support upcoming travel, including plans to bring the Wall of Heroes to Washington, D.C., for Independence Day celebrations. While admission to the exhibit is free, organizers are seeking financial support to continue transporting the display across the country and are encouraging supporters to contact Governor Jim Pillen and express support for the project's mission and future travel efforts.
The Wall of Heroes presentation is free and open to the public, located at The D & N Event Center in North Platte.
One showing remains Tuesday evening, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the presentation beginning at 7 p.m.
Three additional presentations are scheduled Wednesday:
-Doors open at 9:30 a.m.; presentation begins at 10 a.m.
-Doors open at 1 p.m.; presentation begins at 1:30 p.m.
-Doors open at 6 p.m.; presentation begins at 7 p.m.
Organizers encourage community members to attend and experience the presentation firsthand.
For many who attend, however, the lasting impression is not the scale of the display or the technology behind it, but the emotions it evokes.
"It's a roller coaster," Ambrose said. "But it feels good when you leave. You realize you've thought about things you hadn't considered before."
That emotional journey—from remembrance to gratitude and ultimately responsibility—is exactly what Patriot Thunder hopes visitors carry with them long after the lights fade and the presentation ends.