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 said the committee raised "more than $15,000" in total. McCardell also described regional support during setup and takedown, saying 39 Les Schwab managers and teams from Western Oregon University assisted; Salem Police Department led an escort when the wall arrived from the State Fairgrounds.

The organizer described a series of community events accompanying the display, including evening ceremonies, a bagpipe performance, taps each night, a flyover and a ceremony acknowledging the effects of Agent Orange. McCardell said the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which coordinates the traveling display, praised local organizers, writing that the Polk County operation was "second to none." He added that the national program selected Independence as one of 30 host cities from about 140 applicants.

Commissioners and staff who spoke during the meeting echoed McCardell's thanks. One county staff member, Brent, specifically acknowledged Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies for traffic control and Tina Anderson and fairgrounds staff for logistical support. A commissioner asked that the board consider sending letters of appreciation to the roughly 25 committee members who organized the visit.

The board meeting began with routine business, including unanimous approval of the meeting agenda and approval of the Oct. 7 minutes.

The Wall That Heals visit also drew school groups and visitors from around the state, McCardell said, and gave younger attendees a chance to learn about the Vietnam era; he said many attendees shared personal stories and that the visit fostered education and healing for veterans and families.

Organizers credited the county's early financial contribution with helping secure other funding. McCardell said Polk County's previous veteran services investments — creating a veterans service office, opening transitional housing named Gail's Lodge and Polk County's Purple Heart County designation — framed the county's support for the event. "You folks played a very, very important part," McCardell said.

A county commissioner who attended the opening ceremony described seeing families moved to tears during remarks and said the visiting display had a strong emotional effect on the community. The commissioners agreed to pursue a formal letter of thanks to committee members and volunteers.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of agenda: Motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved unanimously (all commissioners present). Mover/second: not specified in the transcript.

- Approval of minutes (Oct. 7): Motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved unanimously (all commissioners present). Mover/second: not specified in the transcript.