The Wall - 25 years later ...

[A4sForever]

I can't believe it's 25 years old on Tuesday.

At first, I hated the design --- a black granite "scar" on the landscape; a dark symbol of shame and defeat, I and many others thought --- since then, I've come to appreciate it for the quiet memories of friends, schoolmates, and comrades it inspires in me ... from high school, college, and the Navy ... if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend you visit it. Or at least visit the "moving wall", which is available to the country at large and well worth your time.

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell, USA
1 January 1970 -- Dak To, Vietnam -- Listed as KIA February 7, 1978


THE WALL

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL, WA, D.C.

 

[phrogpilot73]

You can be guaranteed that my father will be visiting tomorrow, like his does every year at this time... Saying goodbye once again to old friends...

 

[MasterBates]

Been twice with my father..

First time I was too young to understand what it was. Or why he was near tears when we left.

Second time was almost 20 years later, after I was in the Navy, and it was a moving experience.

 

[skidz]

That picture says so much.

 

[FlyMikeFly]

It's definitely a powerful and moving painting.

 

[FlyinSpy]

I can't believe it's 25 years old on Tuesday.

At first, I hated the design --- a black granite "scar" on the landscape;

It is interesting to look back at the anger and vitriol the design provoked - I remember very clearly the words "black gash of shame" being used over and over. The fact that the designer, Maya Lin was not a veteran seemed to anger people quite a bit. The competing designs seemed to follow in the Soviet WWII memorial spirit - in retrospect, very garish and over the top. I think history has very clearly vindicated the design. (As an aside, also gives you a useful benchmark to compare the lethality of the war to today's conflict: 58K vs 3K.)

So what's the takeaway 25 years later? I don't know; BZ to A4S for admitting the change of mind. I'd be curious to see the opinions now of those who were most ardenly opposed: Tom Carhart, Ross Perot, James Webb, etc. It's rare that people can be so wrong about an issue...

 

[Cordespc]

I'm sure this has been posted before, but here is the way Gen Pace paid tribute to the Marines he lost in Vietnam.

The more I read about General Pace, the more I am impressed. He is a genuinely selfless person and amazing leader.

 

[Schnugg]

When I visit The Wall. I say some of the names listed out loud.

I want the soldiers that died names to spoken out loud, another time, and not forgotten.

It is very moving.

 

[mustang_wife]

I'm sure this has been posted before, but here is the way Gen Pace paid tribute to the Marines he lost in Vietnam.

The more I read about General Pace, the more I am impressed. He is a genuinely selfless person and amazing leader.

He was a guest speaker for the graduates at TBS and my husband said it was an amazing honor. It was clearly one of the best speakers my husband has had the opportunity to hear. His genuine honesty, his experience, and wisdom, all were told straight from the heart. Clearly his actions shown here sums up exactly how everyone has described him. Thanks for sharing these pictures.