'The Wall' honors Vietnam vets for 20 years

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

[SAMWolf]

'The Wall' honors Vietnam vets for 20 years

Thousands will gather at the National Mall in the coming days to witness and participate in ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The weeklong remembrance began with a musical tribute to Vietnam veterans Nov. 6 and will end with a Veterans Day observance Nov. 11. In between, more than 1,000 volunteers will read the names inscribed on "The Wall," starting at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and ending at midnight Nov. 10.

It is only the third time in The Wall's history that all 58,229 names will be read aloud. Volunteers, each reciting an average of 30 names, will read for about 19 hours each day Nov. 8-10. The full list of names was read in 1982 as part of the memorial's dedication and again in 1992 during activities commemorating the memorial's 10th anniversary.

Master Sgt. Angeline Robinson, the Pentagon's vice president of the Washington Area Top 3, will attend a reading for the second time, although this will be her first as a participant. She attended The Wall's 10th anniversary reading, and obtained a "wall rubbing" on behalf of her boss at the time, Adm. David E. Jeremiah, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The name of Jeremiah's nephew was one of those being read.

"When I remembered that, this year's reading became very significant to me," she said. "I decided to participate because it's a way to honor those who went before us."

Thirty-four Air Force members from the Washington Area Top 3 will read 540 names, beginning at 11:24 p.m. Nov. 8.

"It's a way for us to give back," Robinson said. "It's as simple as that."

For some, though, the symbolism of reading the names on The Wall goes deeper. One of those is Bao Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American who was once jailed by the North Vietnamese, later served as a South Vietnamese Army officer, and currently works at the Pentagon on the Air Force Chief Information Officer's staff.

"Each year (on Veterans Day), I have a need to express my gratitude to all American veterans in general, all the Vietnam veterans in particular, and to the more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for their sacrifices to defend the freedom of a people in a place they hardly knew," Nguyen said. "(And it's) not just me alone. Overseas, Vietnamese are forever grateful for those sacrifices."

For more information on the 20th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Web site

[SAMWolf]

[SAMWolf]

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[SassyMom]

SAM, what a wonderful tribute to our veteran's. Thank you for sharing this. :)

[MoJo2001]

Hopefully, this Veteran's Day will be appreciated by more people. Unfortunately, my son's school doesn't consider it a "worthwhile" holiday in the school year to remember it. So? It's important to teach our youngster at home to value and honor our Veterans. Without them, we'd be non-existent.

[SAMWolf]

[Diver Dave]

Thanks for the ping, SAM.

It was a very emotional time for me when I was able to visit the Wall a few years ago.

The Traveling Wall is in Modesto, CA this weekend. First Baptist Church of Modesto is hosting the project. FBC Modesto is also presenting a drama each night. The drama presents a story of a day in the lives of a squad of men in Vietnam. The title is "Not Forgotten," and offers a healing message to so many Vets who served in that era. Information can be seen at www.fbcmodesto.com.

Thank a Vet - it's the least we can do. Some vets have never heard the words, "Thank You."

Salute!

[kneezles]

[kneezles]

Dave, I thank you and all who served and still serve. I will not forget.

[toddst]

"Each year (on Veterans Day), I have a need to express my gratitude to all American veterans in general, all the Vietnam veterans in particular, and to the more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for their sacrifices to defend the freedom of a people in a place they hardly knew," Nguyen said. "(And it's) not just me alone. Overseas, Vietnamese are forever grateful for those sacrifices."

What a powerful statement by Bao Nguyen. So many people really need to read this.

Thank-you all, for your service.

[kneezles]

[kneezles]

[SAMWolf]

I can imagine how emotional that was for you. I have never made it to Washington DC to visit the Wall.

I did get numerous opportunities to see and stand Honor Guard at the Traveling Wall when it came to Illinois. I also helped with getting the McHenry County Vietnam Menmorial funded, designed and dedicated. Those events were very emotional for me. I know if I ever made it to see the Wall, I would breakdown.

We have a beautiful Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Portland, Oregon and every Memorial Day the is a very moving ceremony.

[kneezles]

[MistyCA]

Wow, Steve. You just hit a string in my heart that always responds to The Wall. Thanks for this thread.

[MistyCA]

You are kidding, right? :)

[amom]

Great post. Thanks.

Salute to all vet's. Thanks. Bless you all.

[MistyCA]

I am so glad you were able to share the traveling wall with others recently. It was in Santa Barbara not long ago and it is such a wonderfully precious monument.

This is another good site to visit.

[SassyMom]

Thank you Diver Dave and all of the other veterans that have served. We all enjoy freedom today because of what you and others have fought for. We owe you so much.