A visit to the WALL

I walk along the path and see the bronze statute for Three Servicemen
with the American flag that flies 24 hours a day. I am struck by the
sadness of this place. The day is sunny but the air is so still,
like the world is holding its' breath. They are the guardians -
watching over their brethern in death, as in life. A salute to these
brave souls.

I start the walk down into a somber place, black granite panels lists
the names of the soldiers, sailors, marines who gave their lives.
Down I slowly walk, the impact of all these lives washing over me. I
start to cry. I cry for myself, I cry for mothers and fathers,
sisters and brothers, lovers and friends. Such a tremendous loss to
them and to the world. Who knows what difference their lives could
have made?

I look for names of those I knew.

John Robert Bragg
Michael William Downing
John Lee Croy
Gregory Scott Fennimore

I remember Michael, John and Gregory only as passing memories but I
grew up with Johnny Bob - a gentle, kind soul in a mohawk. Here's a
flower, Johnny Bob, brought just for you.

More memories take me back to the Pensacola Naval Air Station where I
worked in Personnel in 1967. Name after name coming across the desk
with assignments, Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam. Then a lucky one,
Cuba.

At the center of the memorial surrounded by all these names and walls
the color of death - I wonder if the world will ever know peace.

Rest in peace, brave soldier. You have not been forgotten.