Do you think a wall can heal? This one claims it can, in a way. I did not know till I went and saw it with my own eyes. It's called "The Wall That Heals" and it is a half scale model of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The thought is that many people cannot get to the original wall, so the wall will come to them. It was created in 1996 and has more than 58,000 names on it. So far this wall has traveled to more than 300 cities, plus Ireland and Canada. I thought it was very sad, but after all, it was just a wall. I left feeling very different. As I walked up to the wall, I burst into tears. Tears for all the names on the wall, and for the families of the names, tears at seeing the Veterans here, in their uniforms and caps, old now and still remembering, their eyes full of tears. And tears at the touching things left behind and the pictures. I hope it did manage to bring healing to those who needed it so much.
“When you hear of wars
and rumored wars, keep your head
and don't panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will
fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over.”
Mark 13
31 comments:
Seeing the Memorial is a very emotional experience. I don't think anyone can visit it and walk away unchanged. I'm glad to hear the traveling version is touching so many lives.
I've seen the 'traveling wall' twice and the real one in D.C. I will tell you my experience was complete emotional. I lost a loved one [a high school sweetheart] in Viet Nam. He was killed in action. The wall may heal some, but it's more of a memorial to me...still, I am filled with all kinds of emotions when I see his name on there.
That is so touching....
I have seen the big on in D.C but I hadn't ever heard of the traveling one.
I don't know that the wall can heal but I think having a place to go can bring cleansing to the soul which brings healing...what a wonderful post!
What a great idea to have this traveling memorial wall. Talking about the things we normally keep hidden inside can be very healing. Seeing that we're not alone in our sorrow helps us to bear up under it. So good to know that Jesus will never leave us but walks with us through our sorrow, griefs, losses and memories! Blessings!
Healing comes in many avenues, through a physical touch and through the touching of our heart.
I watched a series on the Vietnam War, and it was so sad the many lives that were given for us to walk away as though the cause was no longer worthy....a sad tragedy this war was !
i have not seen it, but my friends that have said it was very moving to see it. i am not sure why they chose this war to do the wall. there were more killed in the civil war than in all the wars, also what about the first and second world wars and Korean wars? Vietnam was senseless but so are all the wars that were fought.
I have never heard of the traveling one ... very special!
This wall is so touching..thanks for sharing the pics
Very touching. Great post, Ginny, thanks for sharing these photos.
My hubby is a Vietnam veteran and even fought in that horrible battle on Hamburger Hill. Many of his comrades and even a couple of high school friends names are on that wall. We haven't see the real or traveling wall, yet. I think it's supposed to come to Kansas City this summer, so hope we get to see it.
So many names...it's a sobering reminder of the costs of freedom. Something I hope none of us will ever take for granted! Thanks for posting this, Ginny.
Such a special and heart felt post. To think that each name represents a person and a family that our Heavenly Father loves and is mindful of. I think that places like this carry a special spirit with them. Thanks for sharing your journey.
I was so shocked to see the twin towers on my computer that day - no work was done. These emotional moments stay with us forever. I've not seen the wall but I can imagine the sense of loss.
When you stand there, it makes you think and the silence is touching you.
Greetings,
Filip
I have seen the DC Vietnam memorial twice. It brought tears to my eyes too, even though I wasn't grieving for anyone in particular. So many lives lost for our freedom.
Its a wonderful reminder of what this Country should stand for.
The Memorial Wall is very sobering, isn't it. Just think of all the lives affected by even ONE name on that wall.
we lived in DC for 10 yrs and would often visit that wall..the names and names and names were always so emotional....we pray for our troops every single night.
I have been to the one in DC, and it is definitely moving. It engulfed me in thoughts of the sacrifice of soldiers and families in Vietnam and previous wars.
Thank you for this post.
Wow!!! It came very close to bring tears to my eyes just seeing it here on your post and reading our message. I had two brothers that both fought in wars. My oldest found in four wars. I hold all these men and women in my heart and count them all as heroes, Thank you for sharing. I am your newest follower. Please accept my warm and humble invitation to visit and hopefully to follow my blog, too. Connie :)
I've heard of the traveling wall. An emotional experience to see. All those names, all those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I think it might be seeing the name for real - and knowing that the person was remembered - that they had a real purpose in life and that they are hero's. Is this by you now? Sandie
I've seen the Wall in Washington, and it is a very moving experience. I do think that it can heal.
Reminds me of the Aids Quilt which 'traveled' all over the country ---memorializing those who had died from Aids...
This 'wall' does the same thing. It is truly a wall that heals --and helps loved ones deal with the death of someone.
Great post. Thanks!
Hugs,
Betsy
Hi Ginny, Yes, I think that this memorial has helped families. I once worked with a man who lost his dad in Vietnam and has been to the memorial wall. He liked it and he felt it honored his late dad. He also said his mom also liked it. Have a great day tomorrow!
My husband, who is a Viet Nam veteran, has stood at the wall in Washington, D.C. I saw it from a distance. I think it helps families who lost a loved one in that war to see him/her recognized. During that era, service men and women didn't receive the honor and respect they deserved. I'm glad that has changed.
That must have been a touching experience... my brother served in Viet Nam.. he was a Marine.
Ginny - why is it that almost every time I click to your blog it takes my breath away!? These pictures are stunning and you visit to the wall very sweet and thought provoking as is the Scripture - thanks my friend!
My uncle is a Vietnam veteran. My hubby served twelve years in the Army and a tour in Iraq. This is a very touching post. I had never heard of the traveling wall.
Oh my, Ginny, I didn't know that there is this half scale image of the wall in DC for those killed in Viet Nam. My husband's cousin's name is on it. He was only 20 and was killed by a sniper in Pleiku. The wall is a stunningly emotional tribute to these fallen soldiers...tears are good..they are healing.
yes my husband went to law school in DC and I worked at NIH.
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