The American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall
was on the grounds of Lindbergh High School June 12 – June 16. The Wall carries
the names of over 58,000 men and eight women who lost their lives in defense of
our country during the long years of that conflict. It was impressive that the
grounds of the Lindbergh campus swelled with tens of thousands who came to view
this wonderful tribute to the sacrifices made by these brave individuals. In
the crowds over the days of the event were parents, children, siblings,
relatives and friends of those numerous names on the wall. Also among the
crowds were those with no other connection to any of those names besides the
common elements of humanity and patriotism.
We have often heard that “the cost of freedom is not
free.” And it is not. Each one of those names on that wall reinforces that to
each and every American. This traveling Wall, the original in Washington, D.C.,
and the other tributes to the other battles throughout our history serve as
silent sentinels to those who served to preserve our freedom.
I was honored to be asked, as Fenton’s mayor, to be
part of the concluding ceremony on Sunday afternoon. It was also Father’s Day.
Having the Vietnam Wall with us for that day brought home the fact that these
names were once flesh and blood. I learned that there are three sets of fathers
and sons on the Wall. The first known
casualty, listed as being killed on June 8, 1956, also lost his son, his
namesake, in Vietnam on September 7, 1965. There are three sets of fathers and
sons on the Wall. There are thirty-one sets of brothers listed on the Wall. The
youngest casualty listed was only fifteen years old. His name was PFC Dan
Bullock.
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Over the course of the event, produced by the
Show-Me Hero Salute committee, we heard speeches from many veterans. Sometimes
it was obvious that their Vietnam experiences were difficult to discuss. Hopefully,
through this event, each of our Vietnam Veterans will be able to take more
steps forward.
To each of our courageous veterans of the Vietnam
War, thank you. And, Welcome Home!
