A VISIT TO THE WALL

Before the wall was finished, the landscaping and statues etc, that is, there was a org. that ask each state to send a delegation to the wall, to pull 24/7 guard duty, out of respect. I was lucky enough to be part of the Tennessee group. We each pulled 4 hour shifts, for a week, night and day, rain or shine, hot or cold. The first day, I found my room mates and friends, on "1 panel east". Later, much later, during the dark, lonely early morning hours, I went back. Alone, in that dark slice of earth, with all those names, I visited with my friends. We had our drink, they listened as I talked, and they looked as I wept.

My next visit was for the opening. I received great joy from helping people finding their "guys" thru the "book". One of the early copies stayed in my hands for years, being loaned out to friends, wanting to find friends. The next day, it was almost always the same... "I found my friend, and cried", "thank you so much."

I have returned to that wall, a few times over the years, but never had the place to myself, as I did that night. Woody, I agree, that wall will touch the hearts of many for long after we are gone and forgotten.