‘The Wall That Heals’ Arrives; Open Through Sunday

“The Wall That Heals” in 2017 at Haverhill High School, Monument Street. (Frank Komola photograph for WHAV News.)

“The Wall That Heals” comes to rest at Haverhill High School, Monument Street. (Frank Komola photographs for WHAV News.)

A group of Haverhill residents take in the procession along its route to Haverhill High School. From left are, Mark Courtney, Joann Ware, Barbara Courtney and seated in her lap, Johnny Portillo, Pheasant Lane. (Frank Komola photograph for WHAV News.)

A group of Haverhill residents take in the procession along its route to Haverhill High School. From left are, Mark Courtney, Joann Ware, Barbara Courtney and seated in her lap, Johnny Portillo, Pheasant Lane. (Frank Komola photograph for WHAV News.)

“The Wall That Heals,” a one-half replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., rolled along Monument Street Wednesday to about a hundred flag-waving residents.

Escorted by Massachusetts State Police and the Veteran’s Motorcycle Club, Rolling Thunder, the exhibit reached Haverhill High School. It opened informally for visitors a few hours later. Formal opening ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m., Saturday. Attendees are advised to bring their own chairs.

As WHAV first reported in February, this is the only appearance of the exhibit in Massachusetts or New Hampshire this year. It remains open to the public 24-hours-a-day until Sunday, June 18, Father’s Day.

A multi-faith service takes place Sunday—similar to what is done each year at The Wall in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and the Sons and Daughters in Touch plan a Father’s Day Rose Remembrance Ceremony to honor all those who were lost during the war.

The wall is escorted along Monument Street. (Frank Komola photograph for WHAV News.)

The wall is escorted along Monument Street. (Frank Komola photograph for WHAV News.)

“Roses for those honored by VVMF’s In Memory Program, will be attached to written remembrances and placed at the base of the Memorial. Family, friends and other visitors are invited to take part as the emotional ceremony which concludes with a bed of roses surrounding the memorial, a breathtaking sight that demonstrates both the gratitude and the sacrifices of families impacted by foreign conflict,” according to the veterans council.

The Haverhill Veterans Council is comprised of VFW Post 29 Lorraine Post; Korean War Veterans, Massachusetts Chapter 294; AMVETS, Post 147; Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Hannah Dustin, Chapter 20; Marine Corps League, Captain William D. Glynn Detachment #128; American Legion Post 4; Haverhill Veteran Service Officer Michael Ingham; and American Legion, Nathan M. Webster Post 248.