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Community Corner

"The Wall that Heals" Arrives in East Windsor on Thursday

The half-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be on display at East Windsor Park and Pavilion May 19-22 for planned ceremonies and private viewing.

Through the combined efforts of the American Legion Post 40 in East Windsor and the East Windsor Veteran's Commission, “The Wall That Heals,” a half scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, will be on display at the East Windsor Park and Pavillion on Reservoir Road in Broad Brook from May 19-22.

Ceremonies are planned throughout the weekend, with the opening to take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 19.

Since its unveiling in 1996, “The Wall That Heals” has traveled to more than 300 communities throughout the country. The exhibit offers veterans the opportunity to experience the memorial without a visit to Washington D.C.

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It also allows communities to honor the fallen, whose names are enshrined on the wall, and their sacrifice to their country. The exhibit includes a traveling museum and information center featuring many of the same displays found at the education center at the Wall in Washington.

The Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. was completed in 1982 and is engraved with the names of 58,175 soldiers killed in Vietnam.

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According to East Windsor Veterans Commission Chairman Ernie Teixeira, the idea for bringing the Wall to East Windsor sprung from seeing the wall in Windsor several years ago. Due to a long waiting list, the process from bringing the replica has taken more than three years.

The fundraising efforts of the American Legion and East Windsor Veteran's Commission paid for the costs of bringing the exhibit to town. Any profits will be split amongst the organizations. Both offer scholarships to children in the community.

Teixeira estimated that half of the roughly 1,000 veterans in East Windsor served during the Vietnam War. The only confirmed casualty from East Windsor was Bernie Pierce, though Teixeira mentioned there were rumors of others who may have died whose names are not on the Wall.

“I hope it brings closure,” Teixeira said, referring to soldiers who survived the war and have dealt for decades with survivor's guilt. “A lot of guys don't know why they survived.”

Selectmen and Mayors from surrounding towns are scheduled to read the names of fallen soldiers at the May 19, 2011 program. State Sen. Gary LeBeau, D-East Hartford, will be on hand for the closing speech on Sunday. Several representatives from all branches of the armed forces will be offering dedications throughout the weekend ceremonies.

Times will be set aside in the evenings for veterans and family members seeking privacy with the Memorial.

A special wreath honoring the Dog Soldiers of Vietnam will be part of the ceremony program on May 21.  More than 4,000 canines served with American forces in the Vietnam War, the vast majority being German Shepherds. The heightened senses of the canines proved advantageous the war efforts in the jungle environment.

Despite the animals' invaluable efforts in rescuing soldiers, only 204 were returned to the United States at the war's conclusion.

Bob Petrelli, a Vietnam veteran and former commander of American Legion Barry-Poulter Post 40, is credited with spearheading the effort to bring the Wall to East Windsor.

Anyone wishing to volunteer throughout the weekend is urged to contact Petrelli at 860-623-0692 or Ernie Teixeira at 860-331-4294.

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