Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day: Names

(Vietnam Veterans Memorial far left, photo by Jane Heitman Healy 2012)

On a trip to Washington, DC, colleagues and I toured the Mall one evening. School groups' boisterous enthusiasm overflowed in noise at the Lincoln Memorial in spite of signs requesting reverence. At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, though, they walked by quietly. 

What made the difference? I don't know for sure, but many of them may have had relatives who served in that war. The somber black stone, so grave-like, may have dampened their spirits. But it could be the names, row upon row, making sacrifice real and personal.

(photo by Jane Heitman Healy 2012)

I first saw those names on the Vietnam Traveling Wall, and I was struck then, as I was again seeing the real Wall, that the names represent many ethnic groups, from indigenous North Americans to people whose ancestors emigrated to the U.S. We cannot tell a person's race, religion, socioeconomic status, or IQ. We can only read names of women and men who served our country to preserve liberty and justice for all. Whether in military service or not, we should all strive to make "liberty and justice for all" a reality.

Thank you to all of those who have served or are now serving in the US Armed Forces. I especially remember my dad and father-in-law who served in World War II. I dedicate this post to Charles Rael, who served for over 22 years, primarily in the Middle East.

8 comments:

  1. Special post, Jane. My father died in World War II, when I was two. My step-father, and all my uncles served then, or in Korea. Many friends were in Viet Nam. My husband was called, but didn't get taken because of a bad knee. My cousin served in the Gulf War. I remember!

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  2. Thanks for sharing your memories, Linda. So sorry for the loss of your dad so young--both you and him.

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  3. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial commands reverence. I think you're right, that it's a combination of the huge blocks of black stone, the number of names, and that it's recent enough that people can find names of friends and relatives. My dad served during Vietnam, but not in Vietnam. It's pretty sobering to think if circumstances were different, his name could be on that wall.

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  4. Thanks for the comment, Debbie. It is true, and we are thankful.

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  5. I have been to the Vietnam Memorial and to the traveling wall when it came to our town. It is a very moving place. Like many others, my dad served during WWII and my husband was in the service during the Vietnam conflict.

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  6. You and your husband may know people beyond the names on that wall, Janet. Thanks for your comments.

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  7. Lovely post and stunning photos. Thank you for sharing your experience!

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