The Moving Wall

By guest blogger, BroKen

Last week I took my family to The Moving Wall. That’s the half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The name “Moving Wall” plays on the word “moving”. Yes, it is mobile so it can travel from town to town. But it also evokes the emotions. It is a wall that moves your heart. The Moving Wall was set up across the outfield of a baseball diamond at Moreland Park in Owensboro.

I confess that I didn’t prepare my children for the experience. My youngest daughter was amazed at her first glance. “I could never read all those names!” she exclaimed. “Yes, Andrea.” I replied. “That’s the point. There are far too many.”

Just like at the original, there were flowers, notes and pictures placed at the foot of the wall under some names. The pictures were often obviously from high school year books. These were very young men.

Just like at the original, there was a silent, somber atmosphere as we walked down the wall and back. I told you that I didn’t prepare my children so, as we were walking back I felt the youngest ones were beginning to lose their sense of reverence at the wall. The wall was no longer moving them. So I asked them to look again at the names. Consider that each one of those names represents a young man (actually there are eight women, all nurses, who are on the wall) who died. Think of their families; the grief and sorrow they feel. Those families still feel it, forty years later. That’s why the flowers and pictures are here.

I think they got the point but it was clear that they didn’t want to feel that grief. They didn’t want to experience the enormity of the sorrow that wall represents. I can’t say that I blame them. It isn’t pleasant to connect emotionally with others who weep for lost family and friends. But it is important to empathize. It is especially important when their pain is directly tied to your comfort and pleasure.

It was fitting that the wall was set up in a baseball diamond where American kids play America’s pastime. In that game, as in life, sometimes a batter will hit the ball well but not quite hard enough to make it out of the park. The batter is out but since the ball flew deep into the outfield by the wall, one of the batter’s friends on base advances. The friend might even make it home to score a run for the team. Baseball players call it a sacrifice fly. One is out so that another makes it home.

The Moving Wall displays nearly 60,000 sacrifices made on our behalf. You can add to that those who were wounded physically, emotionally or mentally. Remember that your freedom and prosperity are directly tied to the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families. Remember and be moved.

Comments

[Locutisprime]

I have been to Washington three times in the last ten years. Each time I go, I visit the wall. I had seen the moving wall first about twenty years ago and it has a very special place in the remembrance IMO.

In the American history museum of the Smithsonian, there is a room of Vietnam remembrance. It contains several walls of display cases, floor to ceiling, each contain items that have been left at the wall over the years by those who remember.

I encourage anyone who visits Washington to see both the Wall and the Smithsonian remembrance display room. There are tens of thousands of items there and many more that are not displayed. There are just too many things that have been left over the years. So they rotate them.

Ribbons and medals, old hats, pairs of boots, photographs and lockets. Flowers and postcards. Just about everything imaginable and more than a few things that you would never associate with someone's heart felt pain. But at one time or another, they have all been left at the wall by those who those names mean pain and love for those that were left behind. The National Park Service collects them daily and preserves them.

Today is a day of remembrance. I hope that all will take the time to reflect and remember. I hope that all will take the time to consider that one simple phrase that is etched on the Korean War Memorial.

"Freedom is not free."

Someone paid the price. Honor them with reverence and memory. Never forget the blood price paid for our freedom.

[chuck aka xtnyoda]

I've not been yet... don't know if I'll ever go... don't know why.

But, God Bless America.

[tim aka The Godless Heathen]

Nice pots BroKen, hopefully you and your kids will be able to thank a vet today.

Though I’ve been to DC twice in the last couple of years, regrettably due to circumstances out of my control I was unable to see any of the memorials. One day I shall and the Vietnam Memorial is first on my list.

Locutisprime,

Here’s one of my favorite stories about the Vietnam Memorial, I know you’ll like it. (Chuck, you too.)

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2007/10/general-ret-pet.html

Chuck,

Maybe you should go and find out if it was a good idea or not. Maybe you'll be surprised by the answer. My 2 cents.

BTW, have you made that pilgrimage to go see your buddy’s family that you talked about a couple Memorial Days back? Just curious.

Semper Fi Chuck & Locut, Semper Fi

[Mommynator]

I remember when one of my kids was till in grammar school, but moving wall came to Staten Island and I made sure I was one of the parent chaperones for that trip.

There was the usual grumbling of boredom, but there were several children who got it. You could see the wheels turning and the hearts churning. That was worth the trip.

Today I'm grateful that my son is home and done with his service except for his national guard duty. I can only imagine the pain of parents whose sons and daughter didn't make it back, and I weep for them, grateful for their sacrifice and dignity and the honor they lived.

[chuck aka xtnyoda]

Thanks for asking Tim.

I don't know about myself in this thing. Getting in contact with his family has been amazing, yet when I found the memorial site and his name, and posted my little message, then the family interaction... it just... blew me away... like I fell into the bottom of some great pit. Lots of old stuff.

I've found another one of the guys there with us and he wants to go with me and the family has said it would be great. We will probably go this April... the 19th.

Come to find out, George's father died a couple of years ago on the very same day, the 19th of April.

When I talk or think much about it... I still get to where it's hard to breath... like right now...

Going to have to make myself do it.

(feel like a fool!!!)

Here's his name on the internet wall. If you all haven't seen the net wall go take a look.

http://thewall-usa.com/guest.asp?recid=53387

[Mommynator]

You're not foolish, chuck. These things hurt and leave deep wounds and scars.

[CROW]

you cannot ever thank these young men and women enough.
take 'hanoi-jane' to the wall and watch her reaction, if you dare.
FTW
CROW