The Wall - The Firearms Forum

RJay · 05-03-2011, 03:20 PM

I just finished the post from Murofsmra and his poems and I feel the need to post this. I did see the Wall, about 5 years ago. My family and I were close to Washington DC so we went sight seeing, all the usual things, then it was my turn. I asked my family to give me just a little room, I was not expecting any emotion but just wanted a little space. After all its just a memorial. like Lincolns or Washington's, just a polished stone wall with chiseled names. I found the slab I ws searching for, ran down the lines and then I found myself crying while looking at one certain name. The man whose name is inscribed there will always be 24 years old and will always have a smile of life on his face.I don't know how or why but I found the wall effects almost every RVN veteran the same way, even after 40 years. I often wondered, the feeling is akin to visting a grave of a loved one and perhaps that is what it is, one very lage grave stone. I only know it has the power to open those small doors in your mind that you've tried to keep shut all this time. Vaya con Dios

BullShoot · 05-03-2011, 04:23 PM

I haven't been able to get close to it yet.

garydude · 05-03-2011, 06:55 PM

RJay, please accept my deep condolences. I've been there 3 times myself; once in the early 80's, then late 80's and again two years ago. The first visit was profoundly moving, and I lost it when I saw a young girl, maybe 13 or 14, with her mother stenciling a name off the wall. She was in tears, her mom was in tears, and I soon was too as I finally understood the situation. There were other items- balloons, miss you cards, and even packs of cigarettes and 6-packs of Bud laid out for the fallen.

Each time I've gone since has been equally moving, yet easier to personally tolerate. It is an outstanding memorial; one deeply moved by all who visit. If opportunity presents, I would recommend returning because there is a unique peace brought by honoring these great soldiers, giving them their just respect, even if it's shamefully overdue from our country.

rooter · 05-04-2011, 04:48 AM

Gary, again welcome...You sent a personal msg to me this date to which I have responded back to you about...As I've related on here many times, I've not been to the wall and my only reason is that I've not the courage...Don't know why the reluctance to even attempt it...just don't know.Chief

05-03-2011, 03:20 PM	#1
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,486	The Wall I just finished the post from Murofsmra and his poems and I feel the need to post this. I did see the Wall, about 5 years ago. My family and I were close to Washington DC so we went sight seeing, all the usual things, then it was my turn. I asked my family to give me just a little room, I was not expecting any emotion but just wanted a little space. After all its just a memorial. like Lincolns or Washington's, just a polished stone wall with chiseled names. I found the slab I ws searching for, ran down the lines and then I found myself crying while looking at one certain name. The man whose name is inscribed there will always be 24 years old and will always have a smile of life on his face.I don't know how or why but I found the wall effects almost every RVN veteran the same way, even after 40 years. I often wondered, the feeling is akin to visting a grave of a loved one and perhaps that is what it is, one very lage grave stone. I only know it has the power to open those small doors in your mind that you've tried to keep shut all this time. Vaya con Dios __________________ RonJames -->

05-03-2011, 04:23 PM	#2
BullShoot V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: missouri ozarks Contributor Posts: 445	Re: The Wall I haven't been able to get close to it yet.

05-03-2011, 06:55 PM	#3
garydude Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Desert Southwest Proper Contributor Posts: 742	Re: The Wall RJay, please accept my deep condolences. I've been there 3 times myself; once in the early 80's, then late 80's and again two years ago. The first visit was profoundly moving, and I lost it when I saw a young girl, maybe 13 or 14, with her mother stenciling a name off the wall. She was in tears, her mom was in tears, and I soon was too as I finally understood the situation. There were other items- balloons, miss you cards, and even packs of cigarettes and 6-packs of Bud laid out for the fallen. Each time I've gone since has been equally moving, yet easier to personally tolerate. It is an outstanding memorial; one deeply moved by all who visit. If opportunity presents, I would recommend returning because there is a unique peace brought by honoring these great soldiers, giving them their just respect, even if it's shamefully overdue from our country.

05-04-2011, 04:48 AM	#4
rooter VMBB Senior Chief Of Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Marty Robbins old hometown, Glendale Arizona--a suburb of Phoenix. Contributor Posts: 9,267	Re: The Wall Gary, again welcome...You sent a personal msg to me this date to which I have responded back to you about...As I've related on here many times, I've not been to the wall and my only reason is that I've not the courage...Don't know why the reluctance to even attempt it...just don't know.Chief __________________