This morning I had the opportunity to visit The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, it is currently at the Bicentennial Park, Crystal River, FL. I was paying my respects to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for Our Country as well as those that are still with us. I have the utmost respect for Vietnam veterans, they trained me as a young Private in my 1st duty station @ 4/9 Inf (Manchu's) Fort Wainwright, AK. The Travelling Wall is a site to see, and had the opportunity to talk to a few Vietnam Veterans as well as some, like me, that served after Vietnam. Once a Soldier, always a Soldier
A friend of mine served in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star. He doesn't mind talking about his time there and the stories are both interesting and horrifying.
:usa: :bigthumbs:
Great post.....THANKS for sharing!!!!
When I visited the original in DC for the first time I was amazed how powerful and over whelming the emotions are. In 1974 I was first eligible for the draft, my birthday was #280, in 1975 mine was #100 and they took the first 95 dates. I am thankful for everyone who served and continues to serve.
I signed up in the fall 0f 74 and went active in Feb. of 75. I feel very fortunate that I did not have to go. But I'm still considered a Vietnam Era veteran. When I went to my first duty station there was a lot of guys that were coming back. I've seen the traveling wall and I have a cousin on it. :biggrin:
I've had the honor of seeing this in DC a couple of times,,,,have a cousin that his name is on that wall and those who were kind enough to take a pencil and paper and then rub their names on that paper to give to me,,,,,was such a memorable moment and very very sobering to know that every name on that wall gave their lives.,,,not for politics and BS but because they had a higher calling to give to others to which this is lost on both sides of the political spectrum.
QuoteCfickter - 4/15/2019 6:53 AM
When I visited the original in DC for the first time I was amazed how powerful and over whelming the emotions are.
^^ That was my experience as well.
As a young-un, my family was stationed in Fort Knox, from '63-'69. There were GI's everywhere. I was in grade school, and I remember that when the MIA/KIA information would come out, kids would be all tore up, and soon they left school. Heavy stuff to a 8 year old.....
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Hoping to visit it one day.