Music:  Remembrance

‘The Moving Wall’ is a half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and it has been touring our nation for almost thirty years now. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication of The Wall in Washington, he felt its power, and he vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington to see it.

John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam Veteran Volunteers built The Moving Wall, and it went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the country from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

The Wall just came to town

Many went to see its names

For me, it brought memories

Of a childhood friend, today

He was killed in action in Vietnam

Back in the month of June in 1969

The Wall helps me remember him

No matter how many years go by

My childhood friend was only nineteen

When he left his home, for that bloody war

I can still sadly remember the day that I learned

He’d given his life, and I would see him no more

I used to visit with him in Washington, at The Wall

When I worked for our government those many years

And now, whenever The Moving Wall comes to town

I stop to say hello, to remember, and to shed some tears

The Wall just came to town,

Many went to see its names;

For me, it brought memories,

Of a cherished old friend, today.

We should always remember and honor,

Those, who for us, have given their all;

We should all support and visit memorials,

Such as this Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

©Veterans Day 2013, Mr. Ed