For those who've ever visited the Vietnam War Memorial, you already understand the sentiment.
It's an experience you may never forget.
I'm from a military family. My father spent more than a year there- it seemed much longer.
Growing up on a military base felt, at times, like living in a colony inhabited by women and children.
Moms were everywhere- at little league and meet the teacher night. Fathers were otherwise engaged.
It seemed that a month didn't pass without a fellow classmate's father or relative being reported as missing in action, being taken prisoner or falling in combat. I can recall the General's car visiting the neighbor's home- informing them of the new status... and the neighbors collapsing into each other's arms.
Such sacrifices were made... and seldom did one hear resentful utterances. The protests occurred off base.
On base people maintained a dignified and stoic reserve. Privately we prayed for our loved one's safety- and for a speedy resolve to the conflict.
If you've ever wondered why veterans become misty-eyed at the sight of the flag or the sound of the national anthem- well, one can only assume that their reasons are personal... and based on experiences that most likely reside deep within- never to be fully articulated.
It took me more than two decades to finally visit the wall. I had assumed it would be too overwhelming. However, I finally made the pilgrimage. I felt I owed it to my neighbors and relatives. Their names are among just a few of the more than 58,000 servicemen and women who vanished or perished in Vietnam.
Though it doesn't have the same visceral impact, you're now able to look these names up online, where you can find an interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial website. This is the place to search the names and discover background information about each person.
http://go.footnote.com/thewall
I highly recommend it.
For those who want a visual approximation to the experience of walking the monument, here you go:
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Chuck Willman's father served in Vietnam while his sister served in Operation Desert Storm. He is an Arizona real estate agent specializing in relocation, investments and first time home buyers.
Brian- I agree whole-heartedly.
Kent- Thank you- please do.
Chuck, thank you for the information. Vietnam had an impact on my life. In 2003 I was able to visit "The Wall" and spent a large amount of time there - and as you have said "It's an experience you may never forget."
Wow -that was moving! As a Canadian I sometimes feel like we take the 'observer' status an awful lot.......reading your blog I was touched again about how families with fathers/sons/daughters affected...........your talked about the General's car arriving and my heart started pounding - I've only seen that on tv..........and can only imagine how devastating that would be..........Thank you for sharing the interactive video.
I also wanted to thank you for responding to my 'million dollar blog'...........i'm amazed at how conservative many people are! cool...........then I read your website - and liked your idea about 'searching' for hidden gems - ie. properties..........what a neat way of looking at it.............a Treasure Hunt.........thats what you do for work! Now how cool is that? lol.........Lizzie
Liz- Thanks for visiting. Of all the blogs I've written, this was the most difficult and personal- and, believe me, I've left out a great deal. Whether one is of a "military-solution" mindset or a complete pacifist there is one inescapable reality- Many people have put their lives on the line. We may never know their complete motivations nor might we understand the complexities of emotion or their individual frame of politics. We do know though that they've made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of service to their country and fellow citizens. I'm touched that so many people, servicemen and women and civilian alike, have the opportunity to go to a single place to somehow come to grips with the reality of the event that shaped the lives of millions of people. You can feel the reverence ... and somehow, it's as if you're on hallowed ground. I'm very very glad I finally made it there.
Thank you for sharing such a very personal story, I could feel your pain in the words. I have visited the wall and it is a very humbling and touching experience even though I am too young to remember the war. Now that I work with military families, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of their dedication and sacrifices.