Original publication: BikerTrash.com
Original byline: Not confirmed
(The moving wall)
reprinted by request
Sunday, Nov. 8, was one of those days that Houston experiences absolutely perfect riding weather – and this one would prove to be extra special. Finally, after years of trying, the Moving Viet Nam memorial was opening a one-week stay in Houston. Bikers are a patriotic bunch and many Harley riders are vets of the Viet Nam war, so a “Ride to the Wall” had been planned for a long time. The turnout was better than we have seen for most events for a long time. Any event of this type will have a few logistical problems, but on the whole, this was a well-run, well-planned event that was smoothly executed. The ride to the UH campus was a nice run on a very nice day.
If you haven’t been to the “real” wall in Washington, then you should really make the effort to visit the moving wall if its ever near you. It is a half-size replica of the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington and contains the names of over 58,000 men and women who gave their all during the Viet Nam Conflict.
Any of us who were part of that generation cannot help but be moved by the shear number of names present – 58,000!
- 58,000. That would be a standing room only crowd at the Astrodome!
- 58,000. Many of whom were fresh out of high school!
- 58,000. Husbands, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters!
- 58,000. And 20 years later we understand even less about “Why?”
- 58,000. And that’s the ones who gave their lives – many times more than that when you consider the battle-injured and the battle-scarred!
- 58,000. Who said “yes” to the call of their country – even when they didn’t understand why!
I did a search on my own last name and found that there were 16 “Gores” killed in Viet Nam – they ranged in age from 19 to 37 – the average age was just 23.
A search on my date of birth revealed 13 men born the same day as myself.
The first killed was March 5, 1966 – just 5 days after our 21st birthday. The last killed was Nov 8, 1969 when we were 24.
This is not just a “Wall” nor is it a list of names.
This is over 58,000 people – people just like you and me – people who had the same dreams, hopes and ideals – who were the ones who “gave their all.”
Was the war right?
or Just?
or necessary?
Those questions will be debated, analyzed and reflected on for the next 100 years. What we do know is that an entire generation paid and – in many cases – is still paying the price.
Remember them and all of the other Men and Women who have given their lives for our country this Memorial Day.
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