A couple of weeks ago, the Moving Vietnam Memorial Wall traveled to our little town, and was on display 24 hours/day, for 5 days.
Ashley went with her school during the opening ceremonies. So, David and I went a few days later, and then for the closing ceremony. He and I both are history buffs.
Below, David is signing the guest book....
I grew up hearing stories of one of the young men listed on the board below. His family went to our church, and a monument was erected in honor of him on our community~center grounds.
Our family was fortunate to not lose any family members that served. But, regardless of how you feel about war, or if you if didn't lose a loved one, you can't help but be affected by the names of heroes that line that black shiny wall. It is indescribable and overwhelming. ...reminded that the price of freedom is not free, and many have payed the largest price of all.
Closing Ceremonies...
The white chairs with slipcovers of black and gold stars, represent a tribute to the twenty fallen soldiers of our county.
The Closing Ceremony was very short. The Twenty-Third Psalms was read....
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in the green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leaded me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for thou art with me: Thy rod and staff, thy comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
~What an encouraging and most appropriate passage to read and rely on.
In the "trenches" of life and when facing "our enemy," which can come in many different forms, we do have a Shepherd who watches over us, offering us solace, peace, and comfort.
"...I shall not fear, for thou art with me...."
~Rhonda
32 comments:
This is a wonderful post - just seeing these photos brings tears to my eyes. I think all too often we forget or maybe it's better to say, we forget to remember.
Sorry to add this on a serious post, but if you are heading to Kmart, stop back at my blog. I just added a $5/50 coupon which is another 10%.
God Bless those in uniform that give their lives daily so we can be free.
Hi Rhonda,
I didn't know there was a traveling memorial!
I did see the one in DC, and it is a very moving experience!
thanks for the post.
Diane
I never heard of the traveling wall either. Thanks for informing me.
Hi Rhonda...this is a touching tribute to all those who have served our country. Thank you! Bo
I had no idea they had one that traveled. What a great idea and opportunity.
Wendy
I've got goose bumps on my goose bumps. Powerful beyond words.
I remember when I was growing up and looking through friends photo albums and seeing pictures of their Dad's over there. Made me look at Dads in a whole new light.
I've got goose bumps on my goose bumps. Powerful beyond words.
I remember when I was growing up and looking through friends photo albums and seeing pictures of their Dad's over there. Made me look at Dads in a whole new light.
Hey Scooter...what a beautiful post...alot of my relatives served in Vietnam...it is so sad that thousands of our young men and women are losing their lives everyday that we might live in this great free country...I loved all you did with that spray paint girl! Great ideas..have a great day Scooter!
Your post brought tears to my eyes. I think I might be an emotional wreck if I were to see that in person. I would still like to some day though. I'm sure it is something you will never forget!
take care,
Dawn
Rhonda- We have been to the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. a few times and it is always very moving. So many men crying and praying... You never forget it...
Could you e-mail me when you get a minute? I have a question about the "City of Lights" bracelet.:) I found a fleur de lis!:) Lori
toosillysisters@cox.net
What a great opportunity to honor our fallen soilders. My hubby has promised to take me to the memorial in Washington D.C. He said it is truly amazing. Thanks for sharing your chance at seeing this one.
What an awseome memorial to see!!! Thanks for sharing it with us. You captured great pictures. I would have been in tears.
Susan
that is a nice tribute and moving...all i've seen is the wall in D.C. and its so moving and touching-you dont realize how LONG it is and it hits you just how many lives were lost.
What a wonderful and saddening experience something to remind you of what is truly important in life;) French
What a nice post! I would love to see the Wall! Thanks for sharing.
Katherine
That memorial was in my city during the summer. So many people visited, and so many vets were there...many crying. My uncle served three tours in that war, being wounded three times and getting the purple heart. He never completely "healed" from all he experienced. I'm glad you posted. It made me remember, and appreciate our servicemen and women even more.
Hugs
Gosh, I remember those awful days. My husband had his draft physical on the day of my bridal shower. We just don't ever seem to get it right, do we? Every generation has it's own war to fight. Beautiful post, Rhonda.
Kathy
Thanks for sharing. I haven't had the chance to see this. Hope it comes my way soon.
For some reason, if it has ever come to our town, we have missed it. I will sure try to see it the next time around.
Thanks for sharing...
Very moving post, sweetie. Thank you for reminding us of all our service people do for us.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Our family had a friend killed in Viet Nam.His name is on that wall. So sad.
I'm a history buff too and would love to see this memorial. Being at places like these in person gives the feeling that can't be obtained just by hearing about it or viewing pictures but I am moved by the pictures you've taken. We need to honor and respect our servicemen. Thanks for the post.
God Bless the USA!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this with your family so they will always understand. My son is with the North Carolina National Guard out of Rocky mount. They lost 5 during their deployment and my own son was wounded April 18th by an IED... True North Carolina heroes!!
Savannah will be trick or treating here and at her great grandparents home but that's it! I bought some baby food that she likes and a new rattle teether toy for her for her treat. Sure hope Brianna isn't expecting candy!! They actually bought her four costumes this year (they're sleepers too) bz they couldn't decide which is the cutest! I don't know if she'll be a tiger, kitty, puppy, or pumpkin tomorrow!! I've seen her in all of them but I like the tiger best. Figured everyone was sick of seeing those pictures so I won't post them for Halloween. We've had such pretty major shake ups at work this week so it's crazy and so I haven't been around to too many blogs but you're top of my list and I come here first!! Have a great Halloween. What will David and Ashley be this year?
Thanks for the birthday wishes Rhonda...I'm glad somebody understands the "big hair". Have a wonderful day!
Hi.
I missed you and am GLAD that you are back and I just caught up on your posts. I love your "tweaking" and fall mantle and super great idea with the acorns. I just collected some last week at a friends house and they are almost ready to be glittered too...great minds think alike. Come see me as I have a gift for you, my friend:)
Warmly,
Deb
Hi Rhonda... This was such a beautiful and touching post... I have been to the Wall in DC many times... each visit never fails to produce tears... each visit also shows countless folks touching the Wall, whispering prayers, and shedding their own tears... Thank you so much for sharing this...
God bless...
~hugs, love ♥ 'n prayers~
Pearl
I am so glad you're back... and, I wanted to thank you for your visits and kind words about Mocha's death... it meant so much to me, Rhonda... ~hug~
What a lovely post! I am glad that you got to see that. I think it's so good for our kids to be able to see that, too.
I saw this years ago, and was so moved by it. My husband is a Viet Nam vet, and I am proud that the moving memorial still reminds people of those "forgotten soldiers in the forgotten war". It's something we'd all like to forget, but those soldiers were doing what their country asked them to do. We cannot fault them for that, and we should honor them for that. Thank you for this beautiful post. laurie
Post a Comment