As we were riding the bus over to the Vietnam Memorial, our tour guide was telling about how the monument was made and all the requirements that went in to the design. One of key elements was that it had to be reflective. When he said this, I thought I knew what he was referring to, but still wondered a bit about why reflection was such a priority. Then I saw it and was able capture this picture that says it all. The future of our country reflected in the memories of these heroes of the past.
The Vietnam War was, and still is, one of the most controversial conflicts that our nation has been a part of; but that’s not what these names are about. The names on this wall are about those men that were willing to serve and give their lives for the future this country. The future that you see walking and reflected in their honor. Not one of these kids were alive during the war, nor were most of their parents, including myself, the son of a Vietnam Veteran. There are names on these walls that allowed my son to walk by this wall. Guys that gave their life so that my father made it back safely.
I get it completely now why reflection was so important. The lives of the men who are forever etched in this wall, reflected directly on me and millions of others. It’s because of their sacrifice that myself and so many of you are here today. Look at the picture. You barely see the wall, you only see reflections of our youth amidst the tens of thousands of names.
