I agree, the wall is very moving. I visited the wall last year in Washington DC on 19-May, the 43rd anniversary of the death of my best childhood friend. He was 19, a Marine Sgt with less than 3 weeks left in country. I had with me my son, who was going to graduate from Naval Academy, Annapolis four days later and take his commission as a 2nd Lt U.S.M.C. My son in law, at that time, was in Iraq on his third tour serving as a crew chief on a V-22 Osprey.
John Birdsall is correct " I don't like to think about it too much, it does not get easier ". All the emotions and experiences of that period consumed me as I visited the names of my fellow Army friends. I remember turning to my son and telling him that the torch of responsibility as an leader is now on his shoulders. He needs to make sure that he remembers today and the emotions I have 43 years later and to lead with respect and diginty. I plan to visit the moving wall this Sept.
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