Opinion - Our View

POSTED: Saturday, Jul. 11, 2009

Visit wall and honor vets

The arrival of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute at Bellingham's Memorial Park is a chance to once again honor the men and women who fought and died in Vietnam, and those who fought and returned in troubled times. It's a chance to meditate on the true costs of any war.

This is not the first time the moving Wall, a 80-percent size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., has come to Whatcom County. But the emotions for those who visit it are always fresh. And the chance to greet the wall and spend time contemplating the loss of life of everyone whose name is on it is always time well spent.

It's amazing to recall that the memorial in Washington, D.C., was considered controversial at its opening, with some concerned that a black wall full of names was impersonal and negative. Most veterans and their families have almost the opposite reaction, they love the wall because it brings them close to the names of the people they loved and lost. Its form is peaceful, respectful, even solemn.

We encourage readers to stop by the wall today if you have not already. If you have never been to the wall in Washington, D.C., a visit to this replica will help you understand the power of that memorial. More importantly, you may get a chance to meet a local veteran, to thank them for their service, and to pay tribute to those who didn't make it back.

Events at the wall today include a 9 a.m. church service, and closing ceremonies at 4 p.m., in which volunteers help take down the moving wall so it can go to its next destination.