Randy and I visited the Moving Wall. It is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was created by three California veterans.It truly was a "moving" tribute. Randy's cousin, Daniel Case, was on the wall. He was only 19 when he was killed. His tour began Feb. 12th, 1970 and tragically ended Apr. 11th, 1970. Very sad.
We found his name and did a charcoal etching for Randy's mom. The display was impressive. It kind of creeps me out that we were smiling in the pictures, standing in front of 58,178 names of the people that died in Vietnam. Sorry...
We went back the next day and volunteered to help tear it down, pack it up, and escort it out of town. Four of us from the Patriot Guard were there. (I'll post pictures later.)
I was the only woman there, except, of course, the woman that was in charge. I was the "screw girl". Yes, that's me; the screw girl. That's what the old veterans were calling me as I held the can for the screws as we tore down the wall. It was pretty tough for them to keep their composure as they would call out, "Screw Girl", to collect the screws they had for their part of the tear down. I just don't know how they would have done it without the screw girl. Oh, those guys were sooo sweet. Whatever, those Vets are some crazy sombitches; crazy fun. It was very interesting to hear the good stories they had and disturbing to hear the others. I don't think I could survive a battlefield, emotionally or physically. God bless 'em. All in all, we actually had a good time together.
The VFW served us lunch and we got on our bikes and escorted them about 20 miles out of town.
To our Vietnam Vets, the families, and the communities, you have our sincere condolences to all the names on the wall.
If you would like to search the wall for friends and family, you can do it here.
http://thewall-usa.com/
Pictures taken by our local newspaper...
http://communityfaces.kcstar.com/?action=slideshow&id=671&expand=new&s=1&ac=1&ct=1&pc=1&fs=1&stf=1¤tPage=26&play=1#slides
25 comments:
My cousin buried his entire platoon over there...
I can't ever believe it when I see that number: 58,178 -- roughly the population of the city where I live. Unbelievable.
BTW, every time I see Holly Hunter, I think of you. Hope you take that as a compliment. I think Holly rocks.
Wow..that's so cool!
Right on, screw girl! :p
Becky the Screw Girl..how ironic! hehe I loved that! Made me giggle :-)
Why ZBT, you make me blush...Holly Hunter?
ZBT,
I'll bet your cousin has some PTS issues. I can't even imagine...
You are awesome Becky! I mean Screw Girl :)
ur awesome becky....
Screw girl? Um, okay that sort of fits, you bein' a wild sexy thang nympho an all. Did I just type that? I did, I know I did.
Dianna, called and she thinks she's sold dad's house! Can you believe it? I sort of can, everything that has been connected to my dad in any way has gone just has it needed to, you know?
Love you more than dancing,
Lori
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Aloha!
"Screw girl". Finally, a dignified title for which you are truly deserving! I love it!
And, I don't know, I don't think it's too creepy that you're smiling in the pictures. It's good to be able to find some peace of mind in that wall, and to show it. Like a ray of light in the darkness.
That's my Screw Girl. A ray of light. :) I love you. xoxoxoxo
cool.
Becky –
This is really very emotional for me. You see, I am a Vietnam Vet and had lost several of my buddies while over there. Those, whose names are on that wall, are all on honest to goodness true heroes.
I have seen both this wall and the real one in Washington D.C. several times. The first time I saw the one in Washington, I was just too emotional to try and express my feelings about it. When I walked down into it, it was like I was being engulfed all over again by “my brothers in arms” that we had lost over there.
On the top of a website that I created several years ago (about my Vietnam experience), I have these words taken from the Novel “Up Country” by Nelson Demille. The quote is;
“If we have any guilt, it is a shared guilt, if we have any honor, it is amongst ourselves only. We are bound together for all time by blood and common nightmares.”
Thanks for your post… and thanks for remembering not only those of us who didn’t come home, but also for those of us who did. ~ jb///
Happy birthday pumpkin pie, poodle doodle, peanut, paprika.
Damn I feel like a puss for not going to Crystal's today it being your birthday and all. I'm sorry hon, I'm just trying to make me well right now.
I love you
You're incredible, Screw Girl.
Always looking out for others.
What a great thing.
We saw the wall in DC. None of us could talk.
Speaking of PTS issues...If you've got some links for that, please send 'em. Tom's family is completely at a loss and I can't stand watching the suffering.
And just to end this on a much better note... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I'm so glad your sis gave the head's up. I totally missed her birthday, dangit.
I hope you have a great day.
Hugs & spanks!
(You DO look like Holly Hunter)
Hugs and spanks and stanky wine-soaked birthday kisses!!! Happy birthday, Becky!!!
Happy Birthday Beautiful Becky! Happy Birthday to you!!!!!
I had to come by and extend an overdue
Happy Birthday wish to you! To You!
You're a great lady and I hope you had a good one.
What?! I missed your birthday?! Shame on me! I hope it was a GREAT ONE BECKY?! ~ jb///
Call Mike's cell honey, our frappin land line's not working, again.
xx
(Holly needs a shower.)
Becky ~ Just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! ~ jb///
I need a shower, too. Wonder if Holly would loofah my hiney...
Becky! Thanks so much for the magical e-card. It brought a smile to my lips and a twinkle to my eye.
Merry Christmas!!!
Miss ya.
Post already damn it!
Congratulations!
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