Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall

This weekend, in Urbana, Ohio a traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is displayed near Grimes Field. The “opening ceremonies” were last night and tomorrow (Saturday) is tons of activities related to the wall… a 5k run, pancake breakfast, Vietnam era planes, parachute jumps and more. Visit http://www.urbanaohio.com/grimes-field/upcoming-events.html for the schedule and more information.

Years ago, I visited the traveling Wall with my mom, dad and brother. I remember my dad taking a rubbing of a name of a friend of his who died. I remember seeing him tear up and stand there with his hand on the guy’s name. Since then, I have learned more about the Vietnam war and the controversy surrounding it… and understood the sacrifice men and women make for us on a daily basis that allows all Americans to live our lives without fear. All gave some. Some gave all.

If you have never had the opportunity, I highly encourage you to visit one of the moving walls – or the “real” Vietnam Wall if you can. It is amazing that so many men and women gave their lives for a war that no one understood why we were fighting. It is a reminder that freedom is never, ever free.