The Wall is Special

[wjh2657]

The Wall is special because it is a memorial not a monument.

The Wall is special because it isn't a mythical statue glorifying war, it is just the names of those who died in a war.

The Wall is special because the only thing that is really ours and ours alone is our name. All of the names are here, Generals alongside Privates.

The Wall is special because those who were left behind all come here, sharing the same loss, sharing the same grief.

The Wall is special when you see a woman with gray hair place her grandchild's hand on a name and tell him, "That was your grandfather, he never did get to see you."

The Wall is special when you see a middle-aged old maid lovingly trace a name with her fingers. Her heart floods with the memories of a dashing young man in a new uniform who was supposed to come back filled with glory. He promised to fulfill all of her young girl's dreams of a family and home that she has never had.

The Wall is special when an old man gazes into its mirrored surface. He sees the faces and hears the voices that only he can see and hear. The voices ask "Hey buddy, were you there?" The old man flattens against the wall, stretching his arms and tries to touch all of the names. He sobs back " I was there!"

Those with their names on the wall did not come home to parades filled with honor and glory.

Those with their names on the wall learned the one and only real truth of war.

They didn't come home.

[Punisher84]

:poop:

[saintsfanbrian]

I was in DC for the opening of this monument. A truly sobering sight and one of the few times I watched my father cry.

The other was reading the words of the Gettysburg Address at the Lincoln memorial.

[Guest gunslinger707]

wjh Thank you sir for your service.

We are the lucky one's we came home!

[Guest ScottD]

Seeing as I have never been a member of the military, I have know idea what the true atrocities of war are like. I thank you all for you service.