thanks for stopping by & your comments and OH YES, a big thumbs up from me for the idea of taking dad ASAP,
The three times I have been there I make it a LONG visit. I walk around & talk to people. There are the "toursists" and also younsters who "walk & casually "look".
THEN THERE ARE THE VETS.. Often with children pushing wheelchairs, or helping them w/canes & walkers. Now & then with spouses.
I talk with them & the kids are very quiet & in awe. It is as if it is sacred grounds.. and to a degree it is. A memorial is for MEMORY.. and MEMORY is made up of memories which to me are sacred & precious.
Many say their dads have NEVER been willing/able to share re: the war, but by being there it opens a floodgate for many & the whole family is boo hoo-ing.
I can't help but think it becomes one of the most poignant interactions of the life of the children/vets. You can normally tell it has happened as eyes are red & women have these black splotches under their eyes ( like foot ball players), where mascara, liner, eyeshadow have melted onto their faces from emotion released