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:
----
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.
18 Comments on Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial- Now Available Online
MAR
27
2008
Chuck, visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is certainly among the more emotional experiences you can have in D.C. Every time I've been there, I'm struck by the solemnity and silence of all the visitors. The interactive online memorial makes it accessible to many more people who may not have had the chance to visit in person.
Chuck, it's been several years since I visited this memorial. I too was amazed at the silence, the hushed voices. What moved me the most was the personal items that had been placed at the wall. The lives that are represented, the men and women who gave their lives for our country. Thank you for sharing the interactive memorial site.
JoEllen- I also was unaware at the wall was not of uniform height. That it's very short in places and taller in others. Details like these make one apply symbolism to the experience.
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."
Note: for those who had trouble with the site yesterday... patience- they are experiencing overwhelming traffic, which is heartening to know that there are that many people interested in visiting.
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.
Chuck - Thank you for a very personal story. We too often forget the families the soldiers leave behind while they are deployed. Whether we agree with the conflicts or not, we need to support, and remember, the people that make that committment, and sometimes give all they have.
Penny- I thank you for your visit to my post. This is one of those personal things that's difficult to share. I didn't want to underplay the sacrifice nor did I want to overwhelm with politics. I think the reason the "wall" resonates with people is because of its simplicity. I hope those who visit this blog will want to visit the memorial.
Hi Chuck, 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.
Cynthia- Thanks for stopping by; your kind words are very welcome. I agree... while working with those who are in the military you quickly feel that there's is a duty that is quite admirable. I'm appreciative that we have people willing to do what they do.
Chuck, thanks for a great post. Having been a Vietnam vet, I took my kids with me to see the wall when stationed in the DC area. I think it was the first time they ever saw me cry. It is by far one of the most moving tributes I have ever encountered.
Thank you for posting this, it's very touching and the message couldn't be more timley. And thank you to all of the service men and women who have served our country!
Tips for those seeking a home or property in the Valley of the Sun. Also a source for Investments, First time Home Buying, Relocation & International Properties.
<!-- Site Meter -->
<!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter -->
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Thank you for posting this, it's very touching and the message couldn't be more timley. And thank you to all of the service men and women who have served our country!
;)
;)
