09/09/2026
FROM THE WINY RADIO NEWSROOM: (PUTNAM) The Wall That Heals is officially opening to visitors starting today at 2 PM.
Following the Chrome N’ Steel Veteran Riders CT es**rt of the memorial to Murphy Park on Tuesday, September 8th, The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and mobile Education Center, will open today at Murphy Park, 15 Keech Street in Putnam. The memorial is set to be open from today through Sunday, September 13th. The event is free and open to the public 24 hours a day.
Chairman of the Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee Rob Chalinor, and past Commander of American Legion Post-13 Brian Maynard, spoke to WINY during a recent appearance on the Morning Show about The Wall That Heals.
Chalinor says it is never too late to volunteer. “You are always going to want to have extra [volunteers], and we know we are going to get more people that are going to show up. Anytime [The Wall That Heals] shows up in a town, they get people that they didn't have signed up, that came to visit, and then decided, ‘hey, we're staying. This is something we want to be a part of,’” Chalinor says. “It's never too late. Even if you didn't sign up, and you come to the event and want to, talk to our volunteer coordinator. She will find a spot we need to fill, or where we just want a few extra people to make sure that this experience is nothing but exceptional for our Vietnam veterans that come – for the families of those that maybe that veteran is not here, but going to The Wall gives them peace.”
Chalinor explains that the Town of Putnam has exceeded their fundraising goal for the memorial, allowing the Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee to organize a grant program for local schools.
“We have exceeded $90,000. That has allowed us to reach out to the schools due to budget concerns, and getting the kids there. Schools have already taken us up. Basically, we granted a program for the schools that want to get their students to The Wall, but couldn't afford it, or have to go ask the parents,” Chalinor says. “In the last seven and a half weeks, we were able to break another $60,000.”
“The education aspect of it was on our wish list – that if we had enough money, we would offer it,” Maynard adds. “We took a vote two weeks ago to allocate a minimum of $5,000. It is safe to say that if we get requests beyond that, we are not going to say no. As far my understanding goes, it's not just those in Connecticut. If we have any in Massachusetts or Rhode island that give us a call and want to do it, I don't think we're going to say no to anybody,” Maynard continues.
A Welcome Home Ceremony is set to be held tomorrow, September 10th at 6 PM, where The Wall That Heals will fill the inside of its Sacred Arch with local Vietnam veterans. “We want to make sure you're up front. This is your event,” Chalinor says. “We are here to give you the welcome home that you gave our other veterans later on, based on the fact that you didn't get it when you deserved it.”
An Agent Orange Remembrance Candle Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 12th at 7:30 PM, aiming to commemorate and acknowledge veteran’s affected by Agent Orange, and further honor those who lost their lives due to the exposure.
Local veterans are encouraged to contact the Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee at the Town Hall for more information on how to get involved.
