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Vietnam virtual wall
Another "baby boomer" sent this to me; I am sure there are several who will appreciate the effort of the person who put it together.
The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam war with the names, bio's and other information on our lost heroes. Those who remember that timeframe, or perhaps lost friends or family can look them up on this site.
http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm
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Thanks so much Jesse, I would love to see it as well, I checked the schedule for the "moving wall" but it isn't coming anywhere near us.
I do recommend anyone who can see the original in DC to please do so and post your comments about seeing it here for all of us.
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When I was in Washington DC a number of years ago, I had the honor to walk the length of the real wall. So many names, so many. It is very sobering but it was also an honor to walk among the people who have given their lives to defend our great country. I trust they will never be forgotten.
Larry ---sagefisher---
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I had no idea so many were killed from my home state of North Dakota. Bloody hell!
Overall, a painful reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in a not so good war. :(
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Thanks Jesse,
Every time I see the names of old friends, a few of whom I served with in the 4th Infantry, the old eyes get moist with memories. One I remember most was Frederick (Freddie) Hemphill from Minnesota. He really grew from a really immature kid into a fine young man in 'Nam. I extended my Vietnam tour for 6 months & went home on a 30 day leave in December '67. Freddie & I talked just before I went on leave & when I said I'd see him when I got back, he teared up & told me he didn't think he was going to make it. I vividly remember telling him to NEVER think like that, but when I got back in country 1/22/08, the guys told me Freddie had been killed by a mine about a week before I returned. I've seen men die, but none ever hit me as hard as Freddie.
That wall will humble the toughest of the tough. It is an American "MUST SEE".
Thanks for sharing.
Mike
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One time about 6 or 8 years ago, the Moving Wall came to the Spokane area. I made a point to take time off from work and go see it. It was hosted by a motorcycle club and they were there to tell you where you could find the names of those you were looking for. I was looking for Charles "Buckley" Mason and Walter Piper. Both of whom I had gone to high school with. I teared up pretty good when I found each of them. No one that I could see, left without vivid emotions. It is a "Must See" especially for those who served during the Vietnam Era.
Thanks for posting Uncle Jesse.
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I've been to the Memorial in DC and it's a very sobering event. I wish I had the web site showing all the items left at the wall to remember family, comrades they served with etc.
I've also seen the Moving Wall on several occasions, as some of the guys at work do the Operation Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride. The Moving Wall is just as powerfull when you see it.
If you ever want to read an emotional book read the story of the Vietnam War Memorial.
The museum can be seen here http://www.nationalvnwarmuseum.org/
Fatman
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We lived in the DC area when the Wall was dedicated, and were present in the crowd for the Dedication. It was a most moving time. To walk the length of the wall, and touch each (or many) of the names engraved was a feeling that will never leave me. There were many names I knew, many more that I did not know, but each one reminds us of the cost of Freedom.
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While still in the Army, I was helping administer a training test of a National Guard unit. To return to Fort Bragg, NC we had to fly out od D.C. On the way to the airport the Colonel in charge asked me if I had been to "The Wall". Neither he, nor I had been so it was a stop on the way to the airport. I might add that the Colonel and I were the only Viet Nam Veterans in the group. The rest were a bunch of young 2d Lieutenants who had never seen combat. We approached the wall from the statue of the three soldiers. Both the Colonel and I simply walked to the grass area (where your not supposed to walk) and sat down, some distance apart. Neither of us approached the wall, but just sat in silence. Once on the plane the young officers jostled for a seat next to the Colonel, who told them it was reserved for me. He and I proceeded to get very drunk on the way home (when a Colonel tells a young officer that he wants his two drinks, he gets them).
I knew some of them personally, but in essence, knew them all.
REE