Special Events gallery
Vietnam Memorial Tribute Wall June 10, 2008
The Wall has come and gone. The memories of what took place during its short visit, for this photographer, will remain. I know people say 'I will never forget', but as humans we do forget as time pushes us into the future. But I have had an emotional experience I haven't had since my father died in 1990. I have wanted to visit the wall for many years and it's the only thing I will go out east for voluntarily. But now, I don't know if I can. I took pictures of the happenings around and of the wall from Thurs. through Sat. and remained outside of the emotion of that great, black, reflective, monument of heroes until I heard and photographed Cheyenne Riley playing taps. It all came into me in that moment and I cried, sobbing at one point. I am only a Vietnam Era veteran. I was spared the horror of that war, but on the fringe of it; I knew and experienced men who came home and were spit on, reviled and cursed for their involvement. I have wanted to go to the wall and honor those who came home alright, in a box, and say thank you. To brothers in arms; Thank You. For my life, for my country, for the opportunity to live free and pursue a great life.
Carol Mares, left, Lacy Pelto, center, and Lena Weller hold up a poster made by some of the students at Julie Randall Elementary School. The girls are waiting for the motorcycles, and trucks with the Vietnam Tribute wall in it to pass by on their way to Green Valley Park.
"Just for Kicks" line dancers line up for a picture in their colorful outfits as a party atmosphere prevails before the wall rumbles down Main Street on its way to Green Valley Park. The women are from left to right; Carol Ramey, Susan Morrow, Phyllis Ellis, Carol DeSanna, Darlene May, Inger LeGrande, and Evelyn Morrison. Carol Tempa was taking the picture.
Darlene May offers a big smile as she and her fellow dancers of "Just for Kicks" wait for the "The Wall" to pass by on Main Street, Thursday, June 5.
Michael and Debra Hughes were on hand for the arrival of the Traveling Wall in Green Valley Park, Thursday morning, June 5. Debra had a difficult time holding back her tears. She was not alone.
Rick Romley chokes back a few tears before he can express his thanks for the presentation and framed poster. Friday evening, June 6, several friends and organizers of the event brought Romley into a private meeting room at Mazatal Casino and surprised him with a presentation of a framed poster. Romley made it through the Vietnam War but not without partial loss of his legs and fingers on his right hand.
Henry Dombrowski wipes tears from his eyes in the early morning sunlight Friday, June 6, as he visits the traveling replica Vietnam Wall.
Bagpiper Eric Landau plays a medly of patriotic songs to alert the audience the ceremony is about to begin.
Marine Phil Prince snaps his salute with practiced perfection as the National Anthem is sung by the Payson Choral Society.
A silent tribute to a fallen comrade.
Trish Ferree gets a snapshot of a 1957 panel on the wall.
Reflected in Kenny Evans glasses is the crowd he addresses during the opening ceremonies of the presentation of the Vietnam Tribute Wall, Saturday, June 7.
Pat Willis, Master of Ceremonies for the Tribute Wall event has a few moments of speechlessness as he talks about sacrifice, dedication and loyality of some of his fallen comrades whose names are inscribed on the wall.
Proudly wearing a shirt that was scorned as disrespectful of our flag in the late '60's and early '70's by many Americans, Bernard Roberts sits on the grass at Green Valley Park and listened respectfully to all who spoke.
Navy Commander Ken Caldwell is partially hidden by the Arizona flag as it waves in the gentle breeze during the presentation of the colors at the Vietnam Memorial Wall Tribute, in Green Valley Park, Sat. June 7.
Jo Kelso, left, corcheted this American Flag and is presenting it to Misti DeCaire. The event took place right after the Vietnam Tribute Wall ceremonies, Sat. June 7.
Betsy Quinn,a veteran of the Vietnam Era, can't hold back her tears during Eric Landau's bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace.
Tim Duffie looks intently at this camera during Chaplain Lynn Richie's closing benediction.
Audi Atkins finds a familiar name on the wall.
Cheyenne Riley brought many tears to many eyes during his rendition of "Taps".
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Question of the week
Do you think new Principal Anna Van Zile has a valid idea in eliminating the Asst. Principal and replacing it with an Athletic Director position that would share her duties as Principal?
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