Written by A.J. Perrone
U.S. Army Tunnel Rat “Vietnam”
Clarksville, TN – Once again we are gathered at this wall as we have been for several years, to offer our respect and prayers for those whose names are written upon it.
Many see this wall as a “thing” made by someone to be brought out each year, displayed, and then put away in some dusty place, to await the next time it is to be put on display.
This wall is, in fact, a man-made object, but it is not just a thing. It is much much more. This wall represents the very hearts, souls, and spirits of those who are named upon it.
Thousands more died from the long-term effects of wounds sustained on the battlefield, or from cancers eating at them, which came from our nations use of Agent Orange.
Thousands are still dying as we speak.
Therefore, this wall is more than the sum of its parts, for some of its parts are still missing.
This wall is a guiding light for all to see and to be touched. The names on this wall represent the combined spirits of each and every one of them, and this wall carries with it messages for all who take a moment to look upon it
The messages are from the spirits of those courageous souls, and if we could hear them speak, this is what I think they would say:
To our mothers, we say:
Please do not weep for us, for we are in a place of peace, love, light, and contentment. We did not want to bring sadness to your heart, but we saw a duty to God and country that we could not turn away from. We will always be young in your minds and in your hearts. Try to gather strength from the knowledge, that we will one day be together again, and we wipe away your tears just as you did ours when we were your little children.
To our fathers, we say:
We are looking down upon you, and through all love we can see in your eyes the pride and respect that every child hopes to see in the face of a father. But we see your tears as well, and we know that love flows with them. We too will be together again one day, and we will talk about all those father and child things that we didn’t have enough time for in life.
To our sons, we say:
We are so sorry that we could not stand there back to back with you during hard times. But we loved you so much that we did what we felt we had to do, in the hope that you would have a life in which you would not need to have someone watch your back. One day, when you have children, and you will understand our need to protect you. Tell your children of how much we loved you, and that we gave our all for that love.
To our daughters, we say:
We are so sorry that we never got the chance to scare away your first young man, or to see your first dance, or to walk you down the aisle in holy matrimony. But if you look into the mirror, and look into the faces of your own children someday, you will be see the reason why we felt we had to do what we did. We are waiting for that distant day, when we can hold and comfort our little girls once again.
To our wives, and husbands we say:
We love you, we have always loved you, and we shall love you for all eternity. We know your tears flowed burning a path into your very soul, but we had to do what we thought would keep you from ever having to say goodbye to our children, the way you had to say goodbye to us.
There is a place waiting for you here and it is a beautiful place, free of pain and sorrow. If you have found a new love, we rejoice for you, for we love you so much that our greatest joy is knowing that you found happiness again.
Remember us, “But the time to mourn is over!”
To our brothers and sisters, ever placed in harms way, (past or present) we say:
We’re here, waiting for you. We are waiting to welcome you home.
Do not feel ashamed because you survived and we did not. We are eternally young warriors, and we did not have to suffer the ravages of old age, and the pains of old wounds. Your bodies may be scarred and failing, but we know that your spirits are valiant and untouched.
We know your pain, and we have a special place prepared for you. It is a wonderful place of peace and tranquility where we will gather together by the fire and tell each other the kinds of tales that only soldiers can tell, and only other soldiers can understand.
Just as we are wrapped in the cloak of our Creator, you too shall feel the warmth that is your just reward. Your final muster will be glorious
Most importantly, to our country, we say:
We have loved you, we have honored you, we have protected you, and we have given all to ensure that you will remain free. We would do it all again, if called upon, and we would feel privileged to do so.
We know that after we left this world you honored us in one way or another. Although we appreciate statues, walls, and special ceremonies, there is something else you would rather have you do to truly honor us.
Keep the faith with those who still live.
Respect those young soldiers who have taken place. Honor them and love them as they love you, and never turn your back on them by protesting them while they are engaged in war for you.
To our Creator, we say:
Thank You!
Now that we’re in your presence. We understand the purity of the love that you have for us, and for all your children. We bask in that special love that you have for your fallen warriors.
You gave us the opportunity to offer the greatest love a human can give, we were allowed to lay down our lives to protect for the lives of others. We thank you for that blessing.
The spirits of this wall have now been heard and they wish you only peace. They know an undeniable truth: “Life holds many rewards for those who fought for freedom, protected shall never know.”
Dedicated to everyone who ever was touched by Vietnam! God bless our Armed Forces, and God bless America.
