The Wall

[janiedriver]

Tomorrow morning I'll be going to Fort Smith, not too far from where I live, to the Traveling Wall. It's the 3/4 size replica of the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial in DC. It travels around the country. My brother's name is on it on panel 50E, Line 49. I touch him whenever I can. I have been to the Wall in DC many times, filmed a commercial there for it, and have seen the travelling wall many times as well. It has a strange effect on me. I am always afraid to leave it. The parents of the deceased are getting fewer and fewer, but the soldiers that served with them, and a lot of the younger ones seem to increase in numbers each time. For awhile, when I go, the only people there are me and my brother Mike. It's funny how so many people around can just completely disappear. I put my hand on his name, and look for the reflection of his hand reaching back. If I stand back and look at the entire thing, it amazes me that there are so many people walking around with empty spots that are only filled at the black granite wall.

[dx]

God bless your Brother for making the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. One of my uncle's went to Nam in 1968 and came back paraplegic. It took him a few years, but he was able to walk again. To this day, he still has troubles.

He, as all Vets in all wars, have to be remembered for their sacrifice. As you touch his name, may you remember all that was good.

[The-poacher]

As an ex grunt I dodged a few myself & I couldnt say it better than dx has

They shall not grow old as those that are left grow old. Age will not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them.

[janiedriver]

Thank you guys. I decided to go at night instead of this morning. I'm glad I did. It is good to see that 24 hours a day there is someone there. And there was one man with a sort of wooden flute. He walked along and would stop and play some hauntingly beautiful music every once in awhile as he faced the names.