When visiting D.C. I always try to stop and spend some time with the Memorial. I never tire of watching the interaction of the monument with the people who approach it - some incredibly poignant moments. My only complaint was that it only lists the names of those KIA which is understandable given the government's wish to minimize the reported human loss but I had several dear friends who flew a dangerous combat mission over North Vietnam and then died trying to get back aboard their carriers on dark stormy nights. Sadly they are not listed since they were simply "operational losses". IMHO we should have recognized every individual who lost their life while serving in Vietnam. As we, hopefully, recognize them all this Memorial Day, may they rest in peace - well done good and faithful servants.
Thank you for this notable entry. I gaze upon it in awe many times during the year, a very close visual reminder of America. And thanks, too, for the reference to Lin's writing.
Nice essay but no Vietnam veterans were "spat upon."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myth_of_the_spat-on_Vietnam_veteran
When visiting D.C. I always try to stop and spend some time with the Memorial. I never tire of watching the interaction of the monument with the people who approach it - some incredibly poignant moments. My only complaint was that it only lists the names of those KIA which is understandable given the government's wish to minimize the reported human loss but I had several dear friends who flew a dangerous combat mission over North Vietnam and then died trying to get back aboard their carriers on dark stormy nights. Sadly they are not listed since they were simply "operational losses". IMHO we should have recognized every individual who lost their life while serving in Vietnam. As we, hopefully, recognize them all this Memorial Day, may they rest in peace - well done good and faithful servants.
Thank you for this notable entry. I gaze upon it in awe many times during the year, a very close visual reminder of America. And thanks, too, for the reference to Lin's writing.
The most powerful experience I’ve ever had with a monument. What an important component of the 250th anniversary. Thank you.
Such good writing.
Thank you. A lot of these ideas come from Maya Lin's own essay about the memorial, which I link to at the bottom. It's beautifully written.
Yes indeed