The Vietnam Wall Experience 2001
"They were Heroes Too" ~ Courtesy of Parade Magazine by Richard Ben Cramer, read by Dogs of War keynote speaker, Pam Young on Sunday at the Wall
Vietnam-Memorial replica 'The Wall' comes to Bellevue ~ Courtesy of The Seattle Times
Powerful readings by Sarah Leah Blum, VN Army Nurse - 12th Evac, read at Sunday's ceremonies
A Commemorative Tribute by Pam Young, USN and CINCPAC Joint Command, 1970-74
Feedback from the Wall Experience...
Hello, My name is Patty Carlson, I went to visit the Memorial yesterday and was very touched. My late significant other (William Mark Toates) was in Vietnam in 1969-70. He died in 1989 of lung cancer. We were together for 12 years so I feel a strong closeness to all of this. I felt yesterday as though he were there, like I was seeing this for him. It's hard to explain. I am so greatful to have been able to see this, and want to thank all those who made it possible. I loved the paintings by the artist, Burgsma? I didn't have the money to purchase one or more of his prints yesterday but would like to sometime in the near future. Could you e-mail me with information on how I could find him or his work? I would appreciate your help. Again, thank you. Webmaster's note: We've had several contact us since the event asking how they can get copies of the in-country artwork that was displayed at the Vietnam Wall Experience 2001 event. Here's how.... In Country Art.Com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As a Vietnam veteran & volunteer during the Wall Experience I witnessed many incredible moments at the Wall. It was the exact same Moving Wall at Floral Hills in '96 hosted by VVA-423 that began my personal journey of healing. Back then I feared the Wall more then death itself. Wondering what memories would come flooding back as I read the names of my fallen comrades. Wondering if it would send me in a spiral that I would not recover from... But it was those like Dan & Linda Daniels, my wife and vet sister Pam, who helped me at Floral Hills. In '98 I made my first visit to the Wall in D.C. for Veterans Day. This was even a much more powerful experience. I remember my first visit in the wee morning hours (0230) accompanied by Pam and our friends Jackie and Carolyn. Pam led me towards the beautiful Women's Memorial. She knew I did not want to come around the corner and see the Wall too close-up initially. Pam had been there in '93 for the dedication of the Women's Memorial. She knew the layout of the land and knew my fears. She promised she would not allow me to stumble around the corner and suddenly, and unexpectedly, be facing the large granite Memorial to our fallen brothers and eight sisters. During my tour in Nam, my Air Cav troop lost six troopers which I have never forgotten. After spending some time at the Women's Memorial which is so special to both the women and the vet brothers, Pam led me towards the bronze mens statue. Those three young brother sentinels coming out of the tree line that appear life-like and exhausted in the darkness, their "thousand-yard stare" towards the Memorial. At midpoint Pam told me we were across from the apex of the Wall. I braced myself and slowly turned to my right, and from a distance and in a soft glow of the lights, I saw the Wall in D.C. for the first time before me. I vividly remember my first feeling was one of extreme bitterness and anger. It was so large, so many names.... too many names. What was it all for? Had they died in vain?!!! I won't go into all my emotions here, but needless to say this was another personal giant step. After days in D.C. and finding comradeship from my fellow vet brothers and sisters, Pam and I decided to go back for Veterans Day last November. This time I wanted to invite my fellow 3/17th Air Cav troopers to come along. So that we, together, could experience the Wall. It was an incredible experience. Still personally difficult, but better and with a new sense of purpose. We laid a wreath in honor of our fallen 3/17th troopers during the Veterans Day ceremonies. We met the loved ones of two of our fallen troopers for the first time who are buried together at Arlington National cemetery. We shared tears together, we laughed together, and it was an incredibile experience with help from above.... The setting this past weekend at Sunset Hills allowed all visiting to see the Wall from a distance before going directly to the Wall. Similar to the approach in D.C. from the Lincoln Memorial. When I first saw the chosen location a few months back I knew that the setting would be perfect for fellow vets visiting the Wall for their first time. A way for them to sneak up on it. To gather their feelings. And to make a decision to proceed closer or keep it at a distance. A personal decision which each must make for themselves. So, to make a long story short, it was an honor for Pam and I when Mike asked us to host the webpage for the Vietnam Wall Experience 2001. A way to give back for those who got me started in '96. A way to help fellow vet brothers and sisters to experience the Wall for their first time. I knew besides working on the web page what I wanted to do during the event. Help others get some personal healing from the Wall. To help lift some of that weight from their shoulders. I hope in some small way I was able to lift some of that weight for my brothers and sisters. And it was an honor working with all who volunteered so many hours to this event. I want to share two new memories from the Wall with all of you. I attempted to comfort many of my brothers during the event. But this is another part of the Wall one seldom hears about. The power of the Wall to educate our younger generations. Sunday, I saw a young man sitting on the stage across from the apex with tears flowing down his cheeks. I approached slowly and sat down next to him and asked him how he was doing. I thought he might possibly be a son of one of those on the Wall. He explained to me that he was born in 1964. That he was a avid history student and wanted to come to the Wall to see it for himself. He stated he didn't know anybody on the Wall. But that the shear size and the thousands of names touched him deeply. And that he wished he knew some of the stories behind some of those names. I asked him to stick around awhile. I took a deep breath, and looked up the line numbers on Panel 9W of my good friends and fellow troopers Jerry Gillett and William Wallace, Jr. and wrote them on a slip of paper. I returned to the young man. And told him the story of Gillett and Wallace as I struggled to control my own emotions. You see, when you are a vet and counsel others there is a price; you face your own demons when doing so. The young man with tears thanked me for telling me about my two fallen troopers. Sometime later he went to the panel and later thanked me again for sharing their story. My reason for telling him their story was not totally unselfish. Perhaps when we have all passed to the other side this young man may visit the Wall in D.C., or another Moving Wall, and remember my two beloved troopers, perhaps to his future children. And keep their memory alive for years to come.... If our fallen brothers and sisters are remembered, the lessons of the war learned, then my brothers and sisters did not die in vain.... Another special moment was meeting a young mother and her teenage daughters. They were looking for the name of Sharon Lane. They asked how many other women were on the Wall. I told them eight - all nurses, and helped them to locate their names. And told them about the civilian women who also perished who are not on the Wall.... Those young women who paid the ultimate sacrifice will be remembered for years to come by these young ladies... I want to pass on a word of advice to my fellow veterans who experienced the Wall for the first time. If and when you go to D.C. for the first time, go in the very late evening or early morning hours. There are no tour buses or throngs of cameras at that time to disrupt your feelings or intrude as they quickly snap pictures, or comments about how "neat" the Wall is.... Go with a friend, not by yourself. And remember, after events such as these, there will be a let down in the days or weeks to follow. Brace yourself, and you'll ride through it. I promise your next visit will be a little bit easier. And the healing will begin.... Mike, my beloved brother, thank you for allowing me to play a small part. It was an honor I will always cherish... and God Bless all those involved and who visited. You are all very special people... And when you pour so much into such an experience, you get something wonderful back in return...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How true your statement Roger. Though I was just a close friend of one of those lost, the memory needs to live on. And it is quite true that early morning is the best time at THE WALL. My visit was supported by two vets who consoled me and helped bring some relief. I am crying as I write this as your note and my experience at the Wall bring back great reminders of friends lost and forever to be remembered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just saw the Sunset Hills photos, via Resha Sabre on In-Country Women. This is marvelous! Wish I could have been there. Ret, US Army -- Florida VN Vet, 1970-71 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This presentation on the site is wonderful... I wish there was some way I could save that just like it is and send it to the big shots at Harry's company. You guys have done such a wonderful job on this entire event. 102,000 people came out to the Wall and I am grateful to each and every person who helped. Imagine how many hearts were touched, how many lives were lifted. It is easy to lose focus sometimes when you are involved in such a huge endeavor, but the real meaning is in the single family or veteran who is uplifted in their half hour visit at the Wall. I realize that when you are there for hours each day, just doing the hard work it can all seem to run together, but I want each volunteer to focus on that one person they remember seeing there, that one heart... God bless each of you for the love you offered. Because you were there, because you gave, that person may now be able to heal themselves first, and perhaps an entire family in sorrow later. We had such wonderful success because of all of your efforts. 2. No Wall event has had anywhere near the media coverage we had. Over 60 minutes on KOMO alone. A few minutes on KING and KIRO as well. Cable News Network and Public access as well. Front page or full page coverage on the three largest newspapers in our area, coverage in at least five other smaller papers as well. Over a dozen radio spots. Dozens of newsletters and company cyber notices also carried our message. KOMO and Doug Tolmie really went above and beyond and everyone should write and e-mail a thank you. [You can contact KOMO via email at: newscomments@komo4news.com] 3. It is important that every veteran and family see their service represented by the most senior person possible in programs to honor their service and sacrifice... I am proud to say that we did this better then any other Wall event ever. I am grateful to B. MG Jim Collins. Commander of the 70th RSC. We are grateful for his remarks, and his tender presentation to Katy. C. RADM Vinson Smith, Commander Navy NW... Very busy SeaFair schedule and still made time for us. D. BG Dan Coffey. General Coffey commands the 66th Aviation Brigade and was a wonderful representative of our Army. E. Colonel Jim Coolican. A perfect Marine. If you were not moved by his words you are a stone. F. RADM John Lockwood. He moved us, and taught us. His support throughout the weekend was wonderful. I was grateful and humbled by his friendship, and care for our event. Even in the home state of Douglas Monroe the only coastie to receive the MOH, the Coast Guard could not have found a better representative. G. BG Marcia Clark. I have saved General Clark for last. She not only gave the keynote in the Friday salute to women, she represented the Air Force in the Saturday Program. General Clark was the first to respond to my invitation, she was a frequent caller to my home to see what else she could do. General Clark was a huge help with several local military units and the force behind getting us an all service color guard for Saturday. In short General Clark went way beyond the call of duty to help us. I feel privileged to have worked with her, and to know her. 4. No event has had the number of fly overs, particularly if you count by aircraft. 5. No event has had the amount of entertainment, I want to thank all of the performers in the Sunday program. 6. No event has had the amount of financial support we had, large events require large dollars. Stage, Sound, Chairs, Tents, Parking, Busses, and a zillion other things had to be paid for by the veterans. We spoke at over 30 meetings and events to try to raise the money needed. We went to dozens of businesses and groups to ask for support. Labor, Lumber, Paint, Power, Cables, the list of in kind donations goes on and on. Boeing F-22 program really bailed us out with a wonderful donation near the end. All in all it was a great effort. (Big Thanks to Pevo and friends) 7. No one else had Ron Fox (Need I say more) All in all... we set a new mark. Imagine what the result would have been without bad weather... Finally let me say this. Harry Blakeman, I guess I am the only one who will ever know how hard this man worked for us. Harry was unbending, and infatigueable in his effort. I can not imagine a better partner to work with. The coins you all have as a token of this event were his idea, and paid for in large part by Harry himself. Leadership, wisdom, and love for the project combined with a bulldog determination is why my vote goes to Harry for the most valuable player in this event. Thank you Harry. Bear and Pam, your efforts, your hearts, and your wonderful site have helped in a huge way to make us the success we are. All of us owe you our esteem and respect. Thank you for your friendship. Even if you go by numbers alone... the closest to us in history is 90 thousand... we have done well.
Mike, it has been an honor to work with all of you our beloved brother and friend. Thousands have and are experiencing what took place this weekend around the country and the world. It was an HONOR to be a small part of what truly was an, "Experience" at Sunset Hills. From four days prior to the event, and through the event, over 3,400 have visited the Wall through this site. Many brothers, sisters, family members and others for the first time. Your leadership made this event so very, very special. We cannot thank you enough for your personal efforts! You are a credit to the officer corps, the United States Army, and to our nation! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you for the truly touching stories that you have compiled from those who came to see and experience the Wall. I am one of the women who served in Vietnam, and even though I did not experience the many horrors that so many of you did, I appreciate the poetry and memories and connections the Wall has drawn from us all. Thank you all for sharing. ARC DD VN 66-67 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I want to share this letter I received today from my sister. Healing.... it takes all shapes and forms. I guess you just never know. "I'm sitting here thinking about my life, and how fat and happy I am. I am 'getting out of here' - soon to be working for the United Way of Pierce County. Leaving behind for 5 months the daily grind of getting up at 2:30 in the morning, traveling, zombie-like for an hour and 10 minutes through the dark morning hours, spending 8 hours in an airplane factory attempting to avoid the noise, dirt, grime and grease of a laborious and inglorious job. Yes, I was feeling quite pleased with myself, knowing that I only have 7 more days to be here. "Then I read an email from my sister. Her life has taken such different turns than mine. She was writing about her experience at the 'Moving Wall', a replica of the Vietnam memorial Wall in Washington, DC. She had visited the Wall in DC about 3 years ago. Because she was an Army nurse and did a tour in Nam during the war, she has been fighting her demons for years. I know that she has been having a lot of PTSD—and began writing to other women (and men) vets over the internet. It was opening up to them that really started her healing. Not that it is complete yet. But she is facing it, and in doing so, is beginning a journey back to health. "She had mentioned a few weeks ago that the Moving Wall was coming to Bellevue, if I had a desire to see it—and that she was only going to go during the wee early morning hours, if at all. But something happened to change her plans (interesting how that works, isn’t it?) and she and her husband ended up arriving just an hour before the scheduled evening program was to begin. She said there weren’t very many people there, and she chose to sit in the back, surrounded by a sea of empty chairs, and could just feel the presence of those fallen comrades all around her. "And then, amazingly, the program focus for that evening was on the women who had served in Nam. They were asked to stand and to receive a purple heart to acknowledge the wounds they received in Nam, that were never recognized—to their hearts. There were 10 women vets there, and only 6 purple hearts, but my sister said it didn’t matter to her. In the recent past there would have been no way she would have stood up to be counted, let alone stand on the podium and have the newspaper snap her picture. But she did do it. And in doing so felt another leap in her healing. A leap that left her, for the first time in quite a while, happy. A carefree, happy wave rolled over her. "I read her account of the Wall experience while sitting here in the airplane factory at a computer, and I tried to imagine her sitting there, alone but for her husband and the spirits of so many young men who died too soon. And I realized that I have never allowed myself to really 'go there' either. Oh, I remember listening to the news accounts while she was serving, watching my mother and father’s quiet, worried reactions to television accounts of the fighting. I have watched movies and documentaries, read books and accounts of the horrors that was Viet Nam. But I have never put my heart there. I love my sister dearly, but God forgive me, I never been able to join her in her nightmare of the war. How could I? I was safe and secure, the last of four kids, enjoying high school and college, marriage and motherhood. She was in Hell. "And so now, as I saw just a tiny glimpse of what she is enduring, my heart cries out to her. I hope she can forgive my ambivalence. And with any luck, we can heal together." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Another Wall has come and gone, but the memories will last for years perhaps as in my case a lifetime. I have a set routine since my first Wall experience where I could not bring myself to work on the front and only on the evening before the last day did I bring myself to look up nine names. Eight of which are from the neighborhood in Seattle that I have lived in since 1957. This is actually a small community of perhaps 20,000 and to have eight names on the Wall seems a lot. I only knew one of those men personally the others I knew in passing to say hi in the hallways at school or perhaps ride the bus to or from Queen Anne HS. They all graduated 2-3 years behind me so there was that upperclassman thing too. But that one, "Rolf Jorgenson" is more than a name he was a friend. We where the neighborhood pranksters. The guys that when it snowed and froze watered down the hill in front of our houses so the kids could sled and ski, never mind there where people that had to get to work the next AM. I didn't learn of his being killed till after I came home myself. His parents had left the block shortly after. The ninth name is also a fellow Washingtonian and also a Ranger; When my Recon Team was run ragged and out of ammo. He led a QRF to our aid and covering our asses herded us aboard the rescue choppers being the last man to board. We didn't know he had taken several rounds, he later died of those wounds. This time on Saturday night looked up my names and gave my best wishes and thanks. The following day was to be one of the hardest in my life. I have my own defense or denial mechanism when helping look up names for visitors. I only look at the panel number and line and only focus on counting the lines. Around 2:00 pm Pam Young found me and she had a young man in tow. One look at the haircut and I knew he was a fellow Ranger. She told me he was having a rough time of it and handed me a small stack of locator slips He explained he was looking up his father's Recon Team. I arranged them by East and West and ascending number and we proceeded till we got to the third or fourth name and it too was an MIA. I then looked at the names and recognized each and everyone as being from a missing Recon Team. A Recon Team I knew, drank beer with, and talked about women and cars and our homes with. I told the young Ranger that I had known these men and what I knew of them. We comforted each other. While this was happening another young man approached the panel we where standing in front of and placed a paper over the name of the last man we had looked up and began to make a rubbing. When he finished he turned toward us and looked at the paper and then us and with sadness and pride said, "My Dad." I introduced them we went over to the stage and sat there for 45 minutes and had a good cry and talked, exchanged cards, numbers, and the usual plans to stay in touch. The last I saw them they were walking up the hill after walking the Wall. Later that evening Steve Brown asked me if I had laid my Ranger Challenge coin at an East Wall panel. (The one I'd laid the beret at in 96) I said no so we investigated and found a much newer coin of different design than that of the Vietnam coin? Sfc Robert D. Hitchings - USA (Ret.) RGR/ABN Rangers Lead The Way ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The largest replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was coming to Bellevue, measuring 240 feet long, 8 feet tall, with over 58,000 precious names engraved on its black marble-like surface. The first time I saw one of the traveling or moving Walls was in 1996 in Lynnwood, which happened to be this particular 3/4 scale replica, hosted by Floral Hills Cemetery. I know how emotionally powerful The Wall is, how it can be for someone who will visit this Wall for the very first time. I also know the magnitude of the responsibility and honor it will be for those of us who volunteer during this event to help a veteran, a family member, or a friend come to the Wall…for we understand, we care, we are here for you. The first time I saw the Wall, to face it after so many years of fearing it and my emotions, was in 1993 in Washington, D.C. during the Dedication of the Vietnam Women's Memorial over Veterans Day week. There were many veterans who had been where I was at that moment as I faced the Wall and my memories and emotions for the first time…they were there for me, for C.S., for so many others that day--with a comforting touch to a shoulder, a gentle word, an understanding silently spoken when eyes connected. I promised myself, I promised those on the Wall, and I promised those fellow veterans who reached out to me, that I would do the same whenever and wherever I was at the Wall…I would "be there" for my fellow veteran brothers and sisters, to help them in their journey of healing, understanding, and to bring them "home"…to welcome them home at long last. When the Wall came to Lynnwood in 1996, those same veterans reached out to my husband, for I knew the difficulties my beloved husband would face when he visited the Wall at that event. While I was there for him, it was the special bond between him and his fellow brothers that reached deep inside him, to help start the healing journey that finally led him to the Wall in D.C. in 1998. So when I was made aware that the Wall was coming to Bellevue, I didn't hesitate to lend my support to the Wall committee and to my fellow veterans. I wanted to give back. Early Wednesday evening I ventured out with dinner for the Wall construction and Security volunteers and to my husband who was part of the construction crew who assembled our precious Wall. I was both eager yet anxious to see the Wall again, wondering if I can hold it all together and be strong for all of those who would come--even though each time I have visited the Wall it does get a little easier, nevertheless each visit still evokes immense emotion and memories for me. As I entered the park and drove to the crest of the knoll overlooking the area where I knew the Wall would stand, I stopped and gazed down the hill….the lump that grew in my throat was followed by tears that welled in my eyes. There the Wall stood…so immense yet so breathtaking…nestled at the bottom of a hill with a backdrop of tall trees, surrounded by lush green turf….all in all, it was the closest setting one could get to replicating the Wall location in Washington, D.C…. I had no doubt that this particular Wall experience would be a very moving and powerful one to many. After distributing the evening meal to Security Volunteers, I took my walk along the Wall, stopping at the Apex to lay a single red rose….a Veterans Honor rose. Each day of the event, Roger and I would leave several Veterans Honor roses along those precious Wall panels. From the moment the Wall was being assembled, two days before even being opened to the public, and hours after the last of the panels I helped disassemble and place on the truck late Monday morning, people continued to come to see the Wall. The magnitude of the importance and significance of The Wall to so many defies description. I was asked to share some special memories from this event. There were many that I witnessed, and some of these "Wall miracle stories" are already posted on this page: the chance meeting at Panel 4E/Line 67 between Bob Dowling, Jr. (son of Robert M. Dowling killed in action in January 1966) and Ted Branstetter (who served with Robert Dowling); and the chance meetings between the sons of two Rangers who are listed as still missing in action and Rob Hitchings who served as a Ranger in Vietnam and knew their fathers. There is the Vietnam nurse who didn't know if she could come to the Wall….she ultimately did and a new friendship was born out of her courage, as well as the start of her healing journey. There are the loving parents who couldn't find their son's name…so many names they said…hard to see through the tears, can you help us find him? I found their son's name…they hold each other tightly, gazing at their son, choking with emotion. I gently tuck a tissue in her hand while softly embracing his shoulder….and I step a short distance away to give them their privacy. There is the elderly father who came in search of his son's name and couldn't find it…he was looking on Panel 9W, his son's name was on Panel 19E/Line 7…we walked together to Panel 19E and I stepped away once I pointed out his son's name, leaving him to his privacy and memories of his beloved son. There is a veteran standing at 18E…and I watch him closely as he stood there for a long time….his shoulders begin to quake with grief and I decide to approach him slowly on his right side so as not to startle him. I touch his arm and speak softly to him. He tells me he is ok, and as I step back, another veteran comes to his side. Yes, I know he will be ok because one of his brother veterans is now with him…understanding him…listening to him. These scenes would repeat themselves countless times over the next few days. There is a man in a green coat walking slowly along the Wall…he walked with a white cane. I approached him and asked if he would like for me to help him "see" the Wall. He was most pleasant and very much wanted to see the Wall if I didn't mind. It would be my honor and privilege, I replied, and I introduced myself as he did to me, and then asked him if he was looking for anyone in particular on the Wall. No, he said, but he always wanted to visit the Wall and this would be the closest he would get to it. He wanted to pay his respects to all those who served in Vietnam and who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. His brothers had served in Vietnam and came home--he told me he had also enlisted but his military stint lasted only a few short weeks as he was discharged because of his poor vision. He took my arm and I escorted him to the end of the East Wall, we turned around and I described how this Wall was laid out in comparison to the original in Washington D.C., its length and height, color of the panels and its incredible reflections upon its face…and then we slowly walked each panel. We paused at each panel, he touched a name and I would describe or read the items that were laid at its base in honor and remembrance: the picture of an entire platoon of young men that was left by one of its only two survivors; the roses left in a tribute to the eight nurses whose names are engraved on the Wall (tell me about the nurses, he asked, and I told him all that I knew); the POW bracelet left by the lady who has kept it for three decades; the orchids with the loving note by the family who still grieves and misses their son. While we walked the Wall, another touching thing was transpiring--as we approached the next panel, visitors would quietly take a few steps back from the Wall to allow this gentleman the opportunity to remain as close as possible to the Wall. As we were walking I would pause to allow those taking etchings to complete them, or for those taking pictures to complete those, before moving forward--whispering to the gentleman why we had paused. The understanding and gracious sharing of the Wall by everyone was something that truly touched my heart. When we reached the Apex, I told him of the eagle feather that had been left at the top of the Apex shortly after the Wall had been assembled. He smiled and told me of the honored significance of such a symbol and its gesture….sharing with me his pride in his own Native American heritage that is in his family ancestry. I read to him the preamble to the Wall, as well as the conclusion….then we proceeded slowly down the West Wall, once again pausing at each panel, describing or reading the items that were laid there. When we came to the end of the West Panel, we spoke about the Wall and his feelings and the impact and importance the Wall is to him and to America, and how much he appreciated the Wall being here so he could experience it. He thanked me and asked me to be sure to pass on his deep gratitude to those who made this event possible. Yes, Mr. Miller, it is my honor and privilege to pass your expressions of deep gratitude on to those responsible for making this event possible. For I, too, wish to express my deepest gratitude to all those responsible for bringing the Wall to Bellevue, and to all the volunteers who without their continued support and hard work over the last several months, this event would not have been possible. And as I mentioned at Sunday's candlelight ceremony, thank you Mike for allowing me the privilege and honor to be a part of the Vietnam Wall Experience 2001, to allow me the opportunity to "give back" and to "welcome home" my fellow brother and sister veterans. CINCPAC Joint Command, Operation Homecoming ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is very hard to single out any one individual who work the hardest, for it was an ALL HANDS effort. My Deepest and Sincere THANKS to ALL who help put up the Wall and take it down. Not only did they work their butts off on this the most important part of the weekend, but for many they were a part of other committees... Security, Parking, Volunteers, Locators, and Construction. A Special THANK YOU goes to Harry Blakeman and J.C. Barr of Sunset Hills Memorial Park for while they really didn't have to; for they were involved in a the Important Publicity portion of the event; shed their suit and ties and put on their GRUBBIES and pitched in to help with the construction crew. I want everyone to know that they worked as hard as the rest of us. I would also be remiss (if not in TROUBLE) for not acknowledging our SISTERS who helped in all aspects of construction; and I do not mean bringing water and such; they were right there carrying the heavy floor panels as well as the Wall panels. Our hats off to these Ladies, Linda Daniels, Pam Young, Pam Nelson and LaDene Johnson.. It is said you always save the best for last, in this case they're right... NONE of this would have been possible if it were not for the guiding hand of Our Leader "The Event Chairman" Mike Rogers, USA/RET… I have known Mike and have been associated with him since 1990, we have been together on a couple of other endeavors pertaining to Veterans or Salutes to Veterans. I can Personally attest to the fact that NO ONE puts more time, more personal effort and more HEART into those projects, the same goes for this Vietnam Wall Experience 2001. If anyone doubts this ask his wife and family how many hours he has spent at home since this project started. Each and everyone of us can be very Proud of our association with Mike. I wish at this time to Publicly say for the Record that without your Help and Guiding hand none of this Weekend Events would have happened, (no matter what some detractors say, their opinions don't count). Mike You have my Deepest and Warmest THANKS for all that You've done to make this a Most Memorable Vietnam Wall Experience ever in the Northwest.. I LOVE YOU BROTHER!!!!!!!!!! MACS (SW) USN/RET Chap. 423 Vietnam Veterans of America Co-Chairman Construction Committee ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The military is a very small community when compared to the civilian world. At the age of 17 when I first joined the Navy I thought what a grand adventure, even though my Dad and Uncles who were WWII Veterans and/or presently in the Korean War, told me that things were a lot different. Besides WHO at 17 listens!!!. (THEY WERE RIGHT, Oh how they were RIGHT!!) Over the years mere acquaintances become life long friends… one didn't get the chance, James R. Hunt, QMC, USN for Jim died of wounds received on the 23rd of August 1970 while on patrol in his boat on a river/canal in South Vietnam.. He was a fellow Chief Petty Officer and a friend... In 1992 when the first Traveling Wall Came to the Puget Sound area in Renton and Chapter 423 Vietnam Veterans of America was asked to help, we jumped at the chance. For none of us had been to the Wall in DC and the prospects of ever going were slim... One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was to go to panel 8-W line 133. I managed to avoid it for most of the weekend and then the Chapter had our own candlelight vigil at the Wall. Thanks to Ken Eisen (USAF) and Greg Olson (USA/101stAbn) I made it to Panel 8-W that night. In 1996 it was a bit easier to approach the Wall. Maybe it was because this time I had a personal stake in it, I helped put it up and take it down. Maybe it was time to unlock that private box where we keep our sorrow, pain and guilt, who knows... But I found that helping others get through their grief also helped me with mine... When we found out that The Wall was coming to Bellevue, Wa. there was no way that, short of a major disaster, was the Chapter not going to be involved in some way helping to bring this Wall Experience to a successful end. Speaking for myself I owe it to the more than 58,000 Brothers and Sisters whose names are on the Wall , that they WILL NOT EVER BE FORGOTTEN. On Saturday night's candlelight vigil I spoke of Jim, but for some reason 30 years of being locked in THE BOX came bubbling to the surface. Two young men , one who worked for me and one who didn't. The first man who worked for me, for a short time, I didn't remember his name... But as I reflect back, could I have done a better job of training him and the others who survived the incident? The pain of losing him and not remembering his name has been like a boil, which finally came to erupt... The second man I did not know, but I've always felt like he was my own... I took possession of his body from a Vietnamese fisherman. I guess it was the indignity in which a boat delivered him towed with a rope tied around his leg, he'd been in the water a couple of weeks... After being placed in a body bag and transported to our base medical facility, I thought my duty was over, but I was called to try and fingerprint him. A few weeks later I found out that he had been lost overboard from a US Army Military Police Patrol Boat in Saigon. I have reflected back on those two incidents at moments when I was alone. Especially now, since the flood of grief and tears of Saturday night. Why these two young men? Why has it bothered me so much? Why has their passing affected me so much more than Jim's death? (I knew him better and longer.) Was it because they were close in age of my oldest daughter or was it because 4 to 5 months prior to this I lost my own son (6 ½ months old) on Friday 13th of Feb 1970? I don't know, only the Good Lord knows. Whatever the reason, I may never know their names. I know that they are on Panels 7-W, 8-W or 9-W. I see their faces and I do know this as long as I'm alive -- THEY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN! I wish to thank all my friends and especially my wife, Linda, for helping me that night. I love you all. MACS (SW) USN/RET ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roger, I read your response [above] and can strongly relate. I, like the young man you helped, have no knowledge of personally knowing anyone on that big, black rock, but I too cried, and do cry when I think about it and when I saw it. I left some things there a few years back. I was kind of scared by it too - and I don't know why - I was never there - didn't know anyone on it, but it hurts me - I'm crying right now - just thinking about it. My response is doing things like my site. I don't touch too much on the people who died as I respect them and the people who did know them, like yourself, and never want to encroach on that sacred ground. Sometimes I even feel out of place honoring the people who lived through it, but I do hope it helps and it seems everyone accepts it in a positive light - not quite as positive as you have - but for the most part - it's good. The first time I went to the Wall, I was with a friend, a guy who was a combat engineer over there. An unusual guy - both simple and complex - all in one. A scout master - and a corporate leader, a guy who makes multi-million dollar decisions, has hundreds of employees, but liked to collect collar brass because his dad brought it home for him when he was a little boy. We were walking along - not saying a word - Jim was visibly shaken. All of a sudden 2 boys - 15-16 or so came running up to us - Jim was wearing a cap with some type of "I was there" message on it - they hugged him and then they all started crying! They thanked him profusely for what he had done, they hugged, touched hands and then they were gone as quickly as they had come. We still talk about that - but that moment changed my life. I've always collected military things - since a child, as I respected the men they represent - not what they are or what they might be worth to someone in dollars. I've written 2 books on Military Flight clothing - not for money - but for the guys who did the deeds that keep those things sacred as momentos of the best and worst of times. I have a good friend, Larry Brown - his wife was a nurse in the 24th Evac. hospital and he married her in-country. He was a scout pilot with B 1/9, C 3/17 & E 1/9. She was at the dedication of the Woman's Memorial too. She had been going through chemo and was wearing a wig. She was wearing her boonie hat and it fell off her head - she lost it after all those years. I felt so bad - I tried in vain to find it - no luck. So I carefully recorded every detail she remembered, tracked down all the insignia and a hat and we recreated it! That was a lot of fun. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I've recently had the privilege of being a "citizen volunteer'' helping our local Vietnam Veterans bring the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to Bellevue's Sunset Hills Memorial Park. When "the Wall weekend'' finally arrived, I realized how much I had learned from these dedicated veterans. Then as the three-day event unfolded and visitors arrived at the Wall, I learned so much more. The 100,000 visitors who came in tribute to the fallen understand the emotional impact this tragically beautiful Black Wall of Names has on every visitor. Those 58,000 names of young men and women who perished in the horror of war is too much for the heart to hold; tears flowed freely. At the Wall my lessons came partly from the Vietnam veterans who worked tirelessly to make certain every visitor had a meaningful experience, while they themselves ached in the pain of memory. Some of these veterans had a brother on the Wall; all had their good buddies' names to honor and cry for. I ached as I cried with the daughter who came to see and touch her father's name on the Wall. I helped a young lad of 9 or 10 who was determined to pay tribute to any name that was the same as his own. We found a name and I finally smiled as a man who had just placed a moving tribute to his own brother hoisted the young boy on his shoulders so he could reach up to make a rubbing of "his name.'' I cry still at having 14 names on the Wall from my own small hometown in Oregon. I placed 14 red roses. Now I can begin to understand the anguish and tears of our veterans who will forever carry the pain of having been with their buddies so long ago at that tragic moment. My heart lifted as I saw protesters from that era come to the Wall to make their new peace with the fallen, to tell them they belatedly understand it was the politics of the war that led them to demonstrate, not these who paid the ultimate sacrifice or those returned home alive. I saw smiles spread across faces when names of childhood friends weren't on the Wall, the fear of 30 years erased in a moment. I think especially of the veteran who rode a bus for five hours to see if his missing twin brother was on the Wall; he wasn't. This memorial was either a beginning or ending for those searching. Join me in acting on these lessons. Remember to say to all veterans, "Thank you for your service,'' and to Vietnam Veterans in particular, "Welcome Home.'' And should you come upon a armed forces medic or nurse, be sure to thank them for caring for all and for returning so many to us. Note: Lois' memories were printed in the August 12th edition of the Eastside Journal in their Opinion section at: http://eastsidejournal.com/sited/story/html/62859. Lois was one of the very dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly and helped to make this event a success. It was a honor and priviledge to work with Lois at the Wall, and we thank her for her friendship!
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Memories from those who volunteered - both military and civilian!
Vietnam Wall Experience Photo Page
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