A Vietnam veteran, who was also serving as a guard for the traveling wall, studies the names thereon.
I DIDN’T EXPECT IT. But the tears came as I spoke with Vietnam veterans while touring the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall on Saturday in Faribault.
This photo in particular, among many on display, struck me because of the soldier’s eyes and because of the words on his helmet.
It’s emotional—seeing the pain in eyes, hearing the pain in words, feeling the pain in silence.
An overview of the scene at the Rice County Fairgrounds Saturday afternoon with the wall in the background.
If you live near this southeastern Minnesota city and have not yet viewed the wall, consider finding time between now and early Monday afternoon to visit the Rice County Fairgrounds.
The words and all those soldiers’ names personalize the Vietnam War on the wall.
If you’re like me, this will prove a powerful, cathartic experience. Healing, for me, came in thanking several Vietnam veterans decades after they should have been thanked and welcomed home.
FYI: Click here to learn more about the wall’s presence in Faribault. And check back to see more photos from my two visits to the wall.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
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