Wall makes impression in Springfield

Over 6,000 visited the Moving Wall during the five days it was in Springfield.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20120720/NEWS02/707209947

Published July 20, 2012 in the Rutland Herald Wall makes impression in Springfield By Christian Avard Staff Writer SPRINGFIELD — The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall has come and gone but the impact it left on the Springfield community will be long-lasting. “People don’t realize how hard it is to get something like this here,” said Ron Walker, Springfield coordinator for the Moving Wall. “So many veterans and non-veterans got emotional when they saw it. Just to see how many are on that wall, they finally realized how many died. It opened up a lot of people’s eyes.” Over 6,000 visitors from near and far visited the Moving Wall at Brown Memorial Field at Riverside Park. The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and was created by Vietnam veteran John Devitt of Stockton, Calif. The wall made its first appearance in southeastern Vermont on Thursday. The exhibit was on display until Monday and is now on its way to Hogansburg, N.Y. Walker said the turnout was “overwhelming.” “I think people are not ashamed to honor our veterans,” Walker said. “People are honoring veterans a lot more today than during the Vietnam era. I think that’s what I’d like to see out of this.” Carol Cole, Springfield Chamber of Commerce executive vice president, concurred with Walker. The Chamber received many inquiries about the wall leading up to the ceremony and she saw a considerable increase in traffic once it opened for viewing. The Moving Wall was also good for the local economy, she added. “I spoke to a person from New York who was looking for places to stay for 100 motorcyclists. They came to Springfield because they heard the Moving Wall was going to be here. I have not heard one person who was not touched or moved by the wall and I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about how well-organized Ron had everything. It was outstanding,” Cole said. Walker estimates that 200 people volunteered their time at the Moving Wall exhibit. The wall was open 24 hours a day and there were visitors at all hours of the day, Walker said. People came at night because the lights illuminated the wall in a dramatic fashion. They also came at late hours for personal reflection and solitude for loved ones who perished in Vietnam. “There were five people at the wall 24 hours a day because we still have to look up veterans and we wanted to make sure the wall was safe. That’s the wall’s purpose. It’s like a monument and we have to protect it,” Walker said. Saturday’s Moving Wall dedication drew over 2,500 visitors, Walker said. The program included remarks by Vietnam veteran Lt. Michael Shenna; Shirley Saniville, who lost her husband in Vietnam; readings by local students; and music by Erica Anderson. John Tracy of Sen. Patrick Leahy’s office also attended the ceremony and presented a few words from the senator. Sen. Bernard Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch could not attend due to prior commitments. Walker is unsure when the Moving Wall will return to Springfield. He would need more money to put on the event and have the same number of dedicated volunteers that made the event special. Walker credited fellow Marines Ron Farrar of Chester and Walt Clark of Springfield and Walker’s wife, Liz, for their efforts in bringing the wall to the area.