At first there was no place to go until someone
put up that Black Granite Wall. Now everyday and night, my Brothers and my
Sisters wait to see the many people, from places afar, file in front of this
Wall. Many stopping briefly and many for hours and some on a regular basis.
It was hard at first, not that it's getting any easier, but it seems that
many of the attitudes towards that war that we were involved in have changed.
I can only pray that the ones on the other side have learned something and
more Walls as this one needn't be built.
Several members of my unit and many that I didn't recognize have called me
to the Wall by touching my name that is engraved upon it. The tears aren't
necessary but are hard even for me to hold back. Don't feel guilty for not
being here with me my Brothers. This was my destiny, as it is yours to be
on that side of the Wall.
Touch the Wall, my Brothers, so that we can share in the memories that we
had. I have learned to put the bad memories aside and remember only the pleasant
times we had together. Tell our other Brothers out there to come and visit
me, not to say Goodbye but to say Hello and be together again, even for a
short time to ease that pain of loss that we all share.
Today, an irresistable and loving call comes from the Wall. As I approach
I can see an elderly lady and as I get closer I recognize her.....It's Momma!
As much as I have been looking forward to this day, I have also regretted
it because I didn't know what reaction I would have.
Next to her, I suddenly see my wife and immediately think of how hard it
must of been for her to come to this place and my mind floods with the pleasant
memories of 30 years past. There's a young man in a military uniform standing
beside her.....My God!.....It's...It has to be my son. Look at him trying
to be the man without a tear in his eye. I yearn to tell him how proud I
am, seeing him standing tall, straight and proud in his uniform.
Momma comes closer and touches the Wall and I feel the soft and gentle touch
I had not felt in so many years. Dad has crossed to this side of the Wall
and through our touch, I try to convey to her that Dad is doing fine and
no longer suffering or feeling pain. I see my wife's courage building as
she sees Momma touch the Wall and she approaches and lays her hand on my
waiting hand. All the emotions, feelings and memories of three decades past
flash between our touch and I tell her that it's alright. Carry on with your
life and don't worry about me.....I can see as I look into her eyes that
she hears and understands me and a big burden has been lifted from her.
I watch as they lay flowers and other memories of my past. My lucky charm
that was taken from me and sent to her by my CO, a tattered and worn teddy
bear that I can barely remember having as I grew up as a child and several
medals that I had earned and presented to my wife. One of them is the Combat
Infantry Badge that I am very proud of and I notice my son is also wearing
this medal. I had earned mine in the jungles of Vietnam and he probably earned
his in the deserts of Iraq.
I can tell that they are preparing to leave and I try to take a mental picture
of them together, because I don't know when I will see them again. I wouldn't
blame them if they were not to return and can only thank them that I was
not forgotten. My wife and Momma near the Wall for one touch and so many
years of indecision, fear and sorrow are let go. As they turn to leave I
feel my tears, that had not flowed for so many years, form as if dew drops
on the other side of the Wall.
They slowly move away with only a glance over their shoulder. My son suddenly
stops and slowly returns. He stands straight and proud in front of me and
snaps a salute.
Author Unknown