Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Editor:
Memorial Day: As this special day approaches, I remember the names I know on "the Wall."
When those around us treat this day as a mini-vacation and the beginning of summer, I shed a few tears for the names I know on the Wall.

I think of the doctors who put us back together, those wonderful nurses who cleansed our wounds and emptied our bed pans and tried to save the names I know on the Wall.

I raise a glass in silent toast to the good times, the terror, the fear and frustration I shared with the names I know on the Wall.

I remember listening to their dreams of the future, stories about their families and their counting of days when they would return home from those names I know on the Wall.

I remember the mud, the heat, the filth and the fear of the unknown I went through with the names I know on the Wall.

I physically survived and returned, but I always think about the names I know on the Wall.

I visited this sacred place, touched and cried with those names I know on the Wall.

I stood at attention amidst the crowd and saluted those names I know on the Wall.

I walked up a little knoll, faced another direction and gave another single digit salute to the White House for the names I know on the Wall.

On this Memorial Day, no one seems to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the names I know on the Wall.

I think in our hearts that everyone who went there will remember the names they know on the Wall.
Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of sharing a little earthly time with those names I know on the Wall.

I humbly submit this to those of you who were there. It is not copyrighted and feel free, if you have the urge, to make a copy for other Vietnam vets and friends.

Welcome home.

Jack Waer

Strawberry