A certain family member has been mentioning that a traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall was going to be exhibiting in Knox State Park. I kept blowing her words off, until today’s front page article and subsequent photos caught my eye.
By 1:30 this afternoon, I was on my way to Knox Park.
The replica wall and other memorials were very moving. While I don’t personally know anyone who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam, just seeing the names on that wall puts an un-payable burden of debt and gratitude upon all Americans.
Beyond the wall, there were memorials to veterans of other wars, including placards listing those who have perished in Operation Enduring Freedom. I wished to have time to look for one of the few names I knew who should be on there: Sergeant Jeese Strong, former Liberty student.
I remember being moved near tears during Jeese’s memorial convocation service my sophomore year. Seeing stories like his led me to part ways with my Republican party as far as policy on Iraq…but this is no place for politics.
Charts, diagrams, and photos that gave a timeline of other wars, like the Korean War, were also on display. Desert Storm caught my eye, because I had a cousin serve there, and it was an event that occurred in my memorable lifetime. And of course there were merchants hawking their wares such as artwork—much of it disturbing—and apparel.
At 2:00 there was a memorial service. It will be on Channel 4 tonight, as they were the only TV outlet on site (do we wonder why they’re #1 in the latest sweeps?). I plan to watch, because I didn’t feel it was prudent to stay for the memorial service:
I left das auto at Tops on Grey St. and walked to the park in bright, hot sunshine. Shortly after arrival, the sky began to turn black. My camera and I saw enough getting trapped in downpours last month in Florida, so I began the hike down Seneca St. back to the car. Much thanks to my “cousin” Shannon who saw me and gave me a lift.
I got a lot of good photos of the event. This time they’re on Facebook instead of in a nice Flickr album, but here’s the link, so please, check ‘em out.
By 1:30 this afternoon, I was on my way to Knox Park.
The replica wall and other memorials were very moving. While I don’t personally know anyone who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam, just seeing the names on that wall puts an un-payable burden of debt and gratitude upon all Americans.
Beyond the wall, there were memorials to veterans of other wars, including placards listing those who have perished in Operation Enduring Freedom. I wished to have time to look for one of the few names I knew who should be on there: Sergeant Jeese Strong, former Liberty student.
I remember being moved near tears during Jeese’s memorial convocation service my sophomore year. Seeing stories like his led me to part ways with my Republican party as far as policy on Iraq…but this is no place for politics.
Charts, diagrams, and photos that gave a timeline of other wars, like the Korean War, were also on display. Desert Storm caught my eye, because I had a cousin serve there, and it was an event that occurred in my memorable lifetime. And of course there were merchants hawking their wares such as artwork—much of it disturbing—and apparel.
At 2:00 there was a memorial service. It will be on Channel 4 tonight, as they were the only TV outlet on site (do we wonder why they’re #1 in the latest sweeps?). I plan to watch, because I didn’t feel it was prudent to stay for the memorial service:
I left das auto at Tops on Grey St. and walked to the park in bright, hot sunshine. Shortly after arrival, the sky began to turn black. My camera and I saw enough getting trapped in downpours last month in Florida, so I began the hike down Seneca St. back to the car. Much thanks to my “cousin” Shannon who saw me and gave me a lift.
I got a lot of good photos of the event. This time they’re on Facebook instead of in a nice Flickr album, but here’s the link, so please, check ‘em out.
“The Wall”, as it’s know, will be around for a while longer, and is open 24 hours. I plan to return. This was a very moving, humbling experience that should inspire gratitude in all Americans as we see the “un-payable” debt that our freedom commands.
No comments:
Post a Comment