In a moving tribute to America’s Vietnam veterans, community leaders from Putnam are spearheading a mission to bring The Wall That Heals—a three-quarter scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—to Putnam in 2027. On June 29, 2025, four distinguished veterans—Robert Challinor, Hans Lowell, Fred Ruhlemann, and Ron Pariseau—visited Claremont, New Hampshire to see the Wall, representing multiple veteran organizations and igniting the planning phase of this deeply meaningful project.
The Wall That Heals: History & Purpose
The Wall That Heals was created by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) in 1996 to bring the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to communities across America. Inspired by the original wall in Washington, D.C.—designed by Yale student Maya Lin and dedicated in 1982—this mobile version allows visitors to honor the more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives during the Vietnam War.
The traveling wall spans 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet tall at its peak. It consists of 140 aluminum panels engraved with the names of every service member lost in the Vietnam War, listed in chronological order. Accompanying it is a Mobile Education Center, housed in a 53-foot trailer, containing photographs, letters, memorabilia, and a digital honor roll featuring service members from each local community the wall visits.
Over the years, The Wall That Heals has visited more than 700 communities nationwide, offering a powerful opportunity for reflection and healing—especially for those unable to visit the original memorial in Washington.
Veterans Leading the Mission
The effort to bring The Wall That Heals to Putnam is being led by:
- Robert Challinor, Veterans Agent for the Town of Putnam
- Hans Lowell
- Fred Ruhlemann
- Ron Pariseau
Together, they represent several organizations committed to honoring veterans and preserving their legacy, including:
- VFW Post 1523
- Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee
- Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse
- Putnam Lodge of Elks 574
- The American Legion, Department of Connecticut
Contact Information for Participating Organizations
- VFW Post 1523 (Albert J. Breault Post)
207 Providence St, Putnam, CT 06260
📞 (860) 928-9897
✉️ vfwpost1523@gmail.com
🌐 vfw1523.org - Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee
Town Hall, 200 School Street, Putnam, CT 06260
📞 (860) 963-6800 ext. 140
✉️ putnamveteranscommittee@gmail.com - Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse
Meets Tuesdays, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
At Putnam Elks Lodge 574, 64 Edmond St, Putnam, CT 06260
✉️ fluhlemann@yahoo.com - Putnam Lodge of Elks 574
64 Edmond St, Putnam, CT 06260
📞 (860) 928-3901
✉️ CallPutnam574@gmail.com or wellgift@yahoo.com - The American Legion, Department of Connecticut
📞 (860) 616-2363
✉️ veterans@vfwct.org
Volunteer & Community Involvement
Bringing The Wall That Heals to Putnam will require the help of the entire community. More than 240 volunteer shifts will be needed to ensure the success of the event. Roles include:
- Site setup and teardown
- Name rubbing and information support
- Educational tour guides
- 24/7 wall watch teams
- Ceremony and event support
Volunteer shifts typically last four hours, and around-the-clock staffing will be required throughout the exhibit’s stay.
How to Help:
- Volunteer: Sign up for shifts to greet visitors, assist with name rubbings, support the mobile education center, and more.
- Join the Planning Committee: Help organize the event, coordinate logistics, and manage outreach.
- Donate or Sponsor: Support costs like transportation, setup, security, materials, and educational programming.
- Spread the Word: Share news about the event through social media, schools, civic organizations, and churches.
Bringing Healing to Putnam
Hosting The Wall That Heals will give thousands of local residents the opportunity to reflect, learn, and honor the sacrifice of Vietnam veterans. For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to stand before the names of fallen heroes and take part in a sacred act of remembrance.
To join this effort, contact one of the organizations listed above and ask how you can help. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, your involvement will help Putnam give the welcome home so many Vietnam veterans never received.
Let’s bring The Wall That Heals home.
Join us in honoring the past, educating the present, and inspiring the future.
