For those that have never visited the "Wall" in Wash. D.C., this is a rare opportunity to pay homage to those that gave the all for their country.

To all of my Collier neighbors who served in Southeast Asia in this war I offer a heartfelt "welcome home."

It is sad 58 thousand Americans died protecting us from North Vietnam. Though the United States was defeated we all appreciate the service of those gone.

I have always wanted to see this exhibit. I will make it a point to go and see this.

I hope as many as possible will visit this. It's the least we owe to those you gave their lives in this war.

"It is sad 58 thousand Americans died protecting us from North Vietnam. Though the United States was defeated"...ZhuZhu that is idiocy! "We" were there to say "no", and to stop the geopolitical penetration of Soviet/China into AustralAsia, which now, 40 years later, puts inexpensive goods into your home. We won!!

Don't you get it? We are in Iran/Iraq/Afg to prevent primarily China from access to world oil and the shipping ports. This will then allow you to drive your SUV until you die.

"PROTECTING US FROM NORTH VIETNAM"....the ultimate ignorant quote...

ZhuZhu...are you allowed to VOTE?

The Wall That Heals was just in Santa Rosa, California over the Labor Day weekend.

My wife and I went to see it.

Seeing it, with all those names humbled me very much.

Realizing that every name on it had who knows how many family members whose lives were shattered by a visit and a telegram saddens me.

To all those that served, thank you.

To those now serving, thank you and may your God keep you safe..

This is an enlightening experience for those who have never been to life size memorial in Washington DC.

If the United States was defeated, it was defeated from within.

Congress was allowed to shackle us with rules and stipulations that have no place in war. That made it a police action. The Unite4d States has the finest war machine in the world.

We need a few strong politicians to tell congress to but out.

See you at the wall

enuf, you need to back off the ether a bit, I think it is getting to you. I know a nice place in Atlanta where you can get some help. If you like I will make a call for you.

Excellent post, silverback! (#7)

I have been to DC and visited the actual wall several times. The first time, I was overwhelmed.
Funny thing...each succeeding visit had the same effect. No words can describe the deep feeling I had each time and reprise as I remember these experiences.

I think the traveling wall is a great idea. I have never seen this one. May well be time to visit it, too.

RockfordGrad, just type the name in a search engine. I used one that even gave me a map.
You could always use the printed tome (the phone book) too! Just got new ones. The only time I need a phone book is when Comcast is down! LOL.

See you all there!

BTV, could you feel that, what I can only describe as an invisible, powerful force field, as you approached?
I am not a religious person, but the power of the wall has to be experienced; it cannot be described.
It took me probably 30 minutes to be able to push forward against the "force field" of emotions, for not being one of the kids, my age then, frozen in time, that never made it back. Two of my friends, one of whom played on the high school football team with me, have their names engraved on that wall.
I encourage anyone that ever has the opportunity to make a pilgrimage there, do so.

676, you may well have found the words I could not. Yes, I felt something very much like what you described. It was very powerful. I also struggled to approach each time.

Like you, I knew some who gave all and are so honored.

I really appreciate your post. It is a really powerful force...and I think you nailed what happened to a tee.

I have visited the wall in Washington and will visit the exhibit in Naples. On a side note I would love to see another monument, a black wall with no names on it to honor those who have sacrificed everything in actions our government denied involvement.

Great suggestion swampbuggy.

enufenuf, Your comment is incredibly insensitive and selfserving. It is amazing that you would use this event to promote your personal agenda. I knew personally or knew family members of several of the Collier County casualties. I was a pallbearer at one of their funerals, here in Naples. I am personally offended that you should show such disrespect to men who valiantly and courageously served their country. Their loyal service and willing sacrifice deserves honor, not the cheap inaccurate selfserving comment of a political hack.

Forty years afterwards, and I still can't figure out why those 58,000 brave, young Americans and hundreds of thousands of Vietnameese had to die.

Every time I go to D.C. I visit the Wall. It is hard to describe the experience. #18, I could not agree more.

Thank you BlueTongue - the last time I visited the Traveling Wall they tag teamed the reading of the names over the PA. It took days. I will be in the motorcycle escort.

No you don't. I was there.

Thanks to those that served. You all hold a very special place in my heart.