'The Wall That Heals' is coming
PUTNAM — The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Putnam Sept. 10 through 13, at Murphy Park. It will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica Wall and Mobile Education Center spreads the healing legacy of The Wall and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War. The Wall That Heals honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“As your Mayor, it is my privilege to welcome The Wall That Heals to Putnam. As a Vietnam veteran, it is my honor. This exhibit belongs in communities like ours — small towns with big hearts that sent their sons and daughters to serve and never stopped waiting for them to come home.” -Mayor of Putnam, Barney Seney.
“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Putnam to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”
The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens to reveal exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center that tells the story of the Vietnam War, the establishment of The Wall, and how the Memorial and Vietnam transformed the way our nation treats its veterans and service members.
The three-quarter-scale Wall replica is 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of The Wall’s design in D.C. Visitors can do name rubbings of individual service members’ names on The Wall.
The mobile Education Center exhibit includes two digital photo displays. The Hometown Heroes display highlights service members whose names are on The Wall, and who list their home of record within the area of a visit. The In Memory display highlights Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program, which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died. Additional displays include videos that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a timeline of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict.
They are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.
USAA has returned as a presenting sponsor for the 12th year. Over the past decade, it has traveled to more than 300 communities with VVMF. Wipfli is returning as a sponsor for the second year. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wipfli is an advisory and accounting firm with more than 3,300 associates who deliver digital, people, strategy, risk, financial, and outsourcing solutions to nearly 56,000 clients.
Through partnerships with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit can travel across the country. Local Medal of Honor sponsors already include bankHometown and the Putnam Area Foundation.
To learn more about how to get involved with The Wall That Heals in Putnam, follow us at thewallthathealsputnam2026.org. Or call: 860-963-6800 ext. 161. Email: or the
Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 800 U.S. communities, including an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005. The Wall That Heals is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982. The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C., and features the largest Wall replica to travel the country.
Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall. More information can be found at: www.thewallthatheals.org.
About VVMF: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies, and education materials. To learn more about VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.
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