The Wall That Heals officially opened in Putnam County Thursday, bringing the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died in the Vietnam War to Upper Cumberland.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial gives families, friends and fellow veterans a place to remember the people behind those names. Porter said some of the most meaningful visits happen when few other people are around.
“Lots of times they’ll come at 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning when nobody else is here,” Porter said, “The wall’s lit up and the stories that they tell to talk about the memories that they’ve got of that person, and it was a terrible war and a lot of folks lost their lives.”
Porter said the memorial’s return also provides an opportunity to give Vietnam veterans the recognition many did not receive when they returned home. Vietnam-era veterans attending Thursday’s ceremony were asked to stand, before the crowd welcomed them home.
The Wall previously visited Putnam County in 2018, when Porter said more than 30,000 people visited. Porter said Veterans Service Officer Mark Harris began working to bring the memorial back after seeing the community’s response during that visit.
“I think it’s grown,” Porter said. “My dad served in the Army when the Vietnam War was going on and the reception they got when they came back home was terrible. Our country was not appreciative for them going and fighting for our country. But as the years have gone on, that’s totally changed.”
Porter said the Wall honors nine Putnam County residents, Wayman Clay Elrod, James Cabell Farley, Augusto Jose Garcia, Carl Edward Gilbert, Jerry Thomas Hickey, James C.R. Lewis, Calvin Andrew Norris, Bobby Lee Polk and Johnny J. Wright Jr.. Wreaths were placed at their names during Thursday’s opening ceremony.
Cookeville Mayor Chad Gilbert said the occasion also carries a personal connection for him as the son of a Vietnam veteran. Gilbert said the memorial represents both those who died and the impact their service continues to have on their families and communities.
“While we cannot change the past, we can make certain that you hear these words today loudly and clearly,” Gilbert said. “Welcome home.”
Gilbert said the memorial can also help younger generations better understand the human cost of the war. Cookeville High School government students were among those attending Thursday’s opening ceremony.
Harris encouraged students to speak with Vietnam veterans while they have the opportunity to hear their experiences firsthand.
“Just as the wall reflects the history of a nation, we still have history before you, to reach out and to touch, to talk with, and to learn from,” Harris said.
Porter said the Wall will be guarded around the clock by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office during its stay. The memorial will remain open through 2pm Sunday, with a closing ceremony scheduled for 1:45pm.