'The Wall' honors Vietnam vets for 20 years

Air Force Link ^ | 11/07/02 | Unknown

[MistyCA]

that is awesome.

[bluesagewoman]

Thanks SAM for all you've done for us, and for me!

The Wall is beautiful. So are our Veterans.

[CIB-173RDABN]

I did not like the design for the memorial when I first saw it. However, as time passed, I think it has become a very fitting memorial.

[MistyCA]

I love that picture. thanks so much for posting it.

[CIB-173RDABN]

Search for a name

[Cicero]

When the design for The Wall was first released, there was a firestorm of objections. Most people thought it was an insult to those who fought in Vietnam. As I recall, the winner of the design contest was a young Asian woman.

Anyway, once it was built, and people came to see it, they sure changed their minds. Unquestionably it was a masterpiece, the most moving possible tribute to those whose names appear on it.

I'm not usually a fan of modern art and architecture, which I suppose is what this is. But once in a while a work of art transcends the common and trivial, and that's certainly what happened here.

[MistyCA]

In it's simplicity it still jolts the heart and numbs the senses. It is awesome, but I believe it is because it is so simple. It speaks to you, not for you. And it does reflect the soul. I am forever overwhelmed by it.

[SpookBrat]

Thanks for this thread. It makes me sad. This is the only name I know on the wall. This is my mothers cousin and he was killed when I was 3 months old. I don't know much about my mothers side of the family and don't know if this is true or not, but I remember my uncle telling me this: Stephen was one of 5 brothers. 4 of them were good for nothing and Stephen was the only good one who was ever going to amount to anything. I hope that's not true today. But it was a tragic loss for the family then, because Stephen was so good. He's in a better place and I look forward to getting to know him someday.

STEPHEN LEE BRADDOCK

2LT - O1 - Army - Reserve
21 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Dec 29, 1946
From ABILENE, TEXAS
Length of service 1 year.
His tour of duty began on Dec 13, 1967
Casualty was on Jan 31, 1968
in GIA DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST

Panel 35E - - Line 88

[CIB-173RDABN]

Items left at the wall

[Jen]

Please never remove me from your ping list Sam. ;-)

In honor of all Vietnam Vets who were never properly welcomed home, I hope you enjoy this song.

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[RadioAstronomer]

It makes me sad. This is the only name I know on the wall. This is my mothers cousin and he was killed when I was 3 months old.

awwww! I am sorry to hear that Spookie. :-(

[MistyCA]

thanks, Jen.

[RadioAstronomer]

I have been to The Wall also. What a special place. I made a rubbing for a friend who's cousin died in Nam. I was honored i was able to do that for him.

[SAMWolf]

Thank you Blue. How'd the Freep go?

[MistyCA]

My husband has not been able to bring himself to risk the resurgence of that much emotion about Vietnam. But we went to the traveling wall and have plans to go to Washington. I think it brings peace to the soul and a healing. I want that for him so much. He has a number of friends on the wall. I have one that I know of. I am sure it was a great honor to have done that for your friend.

[RadioAstronomer]

If there is ANYTHING I can do to help, please dont even hesitate to ask.

Your friend

Michael

[SAMWolf]

I agree with you there. It's like RANGERAIRBORNE said though:

the veterans, themselves, have made it an icon of courage and sacrifice.