Putnam prepares to host The Wall That Heals
A profound honor for the Quiet Corner
The replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will visit Murphy Park in September 2026, offering a solemn space for remembrance, reflection, and community connection.
As fireworks light up the summer sky and communities across the Quiet Corner celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Putnam is already looking ahead to a deeply meaningful event that will honor sacrifice and bring the community together in remembrance.
From Sept. 10 through Sept. 13, 2026, Putnam will welcome The Wall That Heals, the official three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It will be at Murphy Park and will be free and open to the public 24 hours a day.
The powerful traveling is designed to educate, inspire, and preserve the memory of those who served, while creating space for reflection and healing close to home.
The Wall That Heals stands 7.5 feet high at its center and spans 375 feet in length. It bears the names of 58,281 men and women whose names are inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Visitors will be able to perform rubbings of names.
Accompanying the Wall is a Mobile Education Center, housed in a 53-foot trailer that expands to reveal exhibits that share stories from the Vietnam War era and from those who served. Displays include Hometown Heroes, which recognizes service members from local communities, In Memory plaques honoring those who returned home and later died as a result of their service, videos, photographs, and other educational materials.
According to the current national tour schedule, Putnam is the only Connecticut stop listed for The Wall That Heals in 2026. The wall will be escorted to town from Rentschler Field by more than 300 motorcycles, in conjunction with the Connecticut State Police. The four-day visit will include an Opening Ceremony on Sept. 10, and a Closing Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sept. 13.
“This isn’t just about bringing a national memorial to town. It’s about giving people a place to show up—veterans, families, kids, neighbors—and pay respect together. That matters to me. These names deserve to be remembered, and Putnam is the kind of community that shows up for that,” said Rebecca Theriaque, event organizer.
Murphy Park was selected because it meet the criteria for the Wall, including sufficient open, flat space, a quiet and respectful setting, and conditions that allow the replica and Mobile Education Center to be safely installed.
Bringing an event of this magnitude to Putnam requires significant community effort and dedicated leadership. The local organizing committee for The Wall That Heals is currently co-chaired by Putnam Mayor Barney Seney and Alan Joslin, both Vietnam-era veterans.
Seney, a U.S. Army veteran associated with the 716th Military Police Battalion, has continued his service locally through veterans’ organizations like the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 and Putnam’s Veterans Advisory Committee, as well as all of our public remembrance events.
Joslin, a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, was seriously wounded in a 1969 ambush and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions in Vietnam. He has remained active in local veterans’ advocacy, including work with Mayotte Viens American Legion Post 13 and the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse.
Organizers are grateful to the early sponsors who have stepped forward to help make the visit possible, including bankHometown, Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13, Putnam Area Foundation, and Vietnam Veterans of America Southeastern Connecticut Chapter #270.
For Putnam, a town deeply proud of its civic life and its connection to those who have served, hosting The Wall That Heals is more than a community event. It is an affirmation of enduring respect for veterans and their families.
The exhibit is expected to draw not only residents from this corner but from all over New England. It will also provide a powerful opportunity for local schools, civic organizations, veterans groups, and faith communities to engage with a pivotal chapter of American history and better understand the human cost of war.
The local organizing committee is seeking volunteers and additional sponsors to help ensure the success of this important visit. Volunteers will be needed for a variety of roles, including setup, takedown, visitor assistance, ceremonies, and support throughout the four-day event.
Those who wish to volunteer, sponsor, or learn more can visit the official Putnam event website at thewallthathealsputnam2026.org
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