Polk County commissioners, organizers praise volunteers after 'Wall That Heals' visit drew more than 8,600

Polk County commissioners and event organizers on Tuesday recapped the recent visit of the traveling Wall That Heals and thanked volunteers, businesses and county staff for supporting the display and related ceremonies.

John McCardell, co-chair of the Wall That Heals organizing committee, told the Polk County Board of Commissioners that the wall — about 375 feet long — drew what he said organizers counted as more than 8,600 visitors and was supported by a committee of roughly 25 volunteers. "The job isn't done until the thank yous are completed," McCardell said, adding that more than 200 volunteers helped with operations such as transporting visitors, finding names on the wall and managing ceremonies.

McCardell said Polk County provided an initial hosting fee of $12,000 that helped the committee leverage additional grants and fundraising to cover remaining costs. He…