Vietnam Wall Experience

[LarryRB]

I have to agree for the most part, except,,, we were in VN 27 years total at 58,000 and change, dead.. Iraq has been three years so far... I almost see Iraq as De Ja Vu , and I hope that I am wrong.. On another note,,,one of the VA web sites and I forget which one,, shows only close to 4000 that lost a limb, part of, or multiple limbs in the 27 years of VN.. They already have three times this. working on four,, in Iraq.. Obviously we didn't have the devices in the roads like there is in Iraq today....

 

[ovrszd]

I have to agree for the most part, except,,, we were in VN 27 years total at 58,000 and change, dead.. Iraq has been three years so far... I almost see Iraq as De Ja Vu , and I hope that I am wrong.. On another note,,,one of the VA web sites and I forget which one,, shows only close to 4000 that lost a limb, part of, or multiple limbs in the 27 years of VN.. They already have three times this. working on four,, in Iraq.. Obviously we didn't have the devices in the roads like there is in Iraq today....

Roger that. Although, I wonder if the wounded number is higher because we are so much better at saving lives today. A lot of the wounded of today would have died in Vietnam days.

 

[Bird]

I wonder if the wounded number is higher because we are so much better at saving lives today. A lot of the wounded of today would have died in Vietnam days.

Not long ago, I saw a TV program that was making that very point.

 

[KubotaSteve]

Working in Washington D.C. I take a lot of these memorials for granted I guess. I probably should visit places more, but I stay inside the office most of the time. I remember going on field trips to Washington D.C. and on one particular trip when I was in junior high we went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Normally to keep 100 8th grade students quiet is next to impossible but let me tell you when we were watching the changing of the guard you could have heard a pin drop and not only was our group there but several other school groups. They guard the tomb 24 hours a day 365 days a year. It seems like back when Hurricane Isabel came through that they were given permission to seek shelter which they declined as it was their duty to guard the tomb. The wall means a lot to me as well but the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier impresses me the most. I guess it's because I'm too young to remember Vietnam, however I'm forever greatful to all those that gave everything for my freedom.
One other thing that a lot of people never realize when they look at the wall is how many more people out there that are still living who were wounded and had their lives changed forever.
If any anybody is coming to Washington DC, shoot me a PM and we'll get together for lunch or something.

 

[dooleysm]

I visited DC with my parents when I was 8, way too young to appreciate what I was seeing. I was back a couple years ago on business, but just had about a half day free to see the sights with an AF captain buddy of mine. We pretty much just ran around downtown looking at this and that.

I remember flying over Arlington on my second trip out there and being impressed with the straight white rows of military graves. I worked at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis through high school and college. Crown Hill has a small military section and it is a major accomplishment to keep those white marble stones straight and white. A local boy scout troup comes out every spring to help clean and staighten them, but it is still an unbelievable task to keep that small section looking good. I can't imagine the crew that must work to keep Arlington looking as good as it does.

You see and hear on the news everyone trashing America, and sometimes I feel like it's going down the tubes, but then you look around and see the sights of our great country and feel the pride that others have in our country it makes me feel that we'll be ok.