Replica of Vietnam Memorial came to New Madrid

NEW MADRID - Retired Army Col. Richard Sherman observed there couldn't be a more appropriate time for the public to view The Traveling Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Memorial. This year, Sherman pointed out, is the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War and the 40th anniversary of the end of the war.

The Traveling Wall, sponsored by New Madrid County Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7183, was on display at the Scott Street Park in New Madrid.

On Thursday, Sherman and other veterans along with the public gathered to celebrate The Traveling Wall's arrival. Jack Jackson, a retired U.S. Marine colonel, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a pilot, was the guest speaker for the opening ceremonies.

Jackson ticked off a number of statistics about The Wall. He noted of the more than 58,000 names on The Wall, 40,000 belonged to soldiers 22 years old or younger, including 8,000 19-year-olds, 12 who were 17 years old when they were killed in Vietnam, five who 16 years old when they died and the name of one private first class, who was only 15.

The Wall includes the names of three sets of fathers and sons, 31 sets of brothers and eight women - nurses - who gave their lives, Jackson said.

"For most Americans who see this, it is statistics, its numbers .... I want you to understand that behind every name on that wall is a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, perhaps even a child. Every name on that wall is a memory. As we think about those memories, that heartache never goes away."

According to Jackson, those who served in Vietnam remember the funny things, the small things. However, he also remembered how he was treated as a returning soldier, when he arrived in uniform in Chicago, recalling he was pushed and cursed at by a businessman.

Then directing his speech, to those Vietnam veterans in the audience, Jackson said:

"Without reservation and with great pride, I say these words: Welcome home. Welcome home. That means a lot to me, too."

Jackson asked the veterans to shout out the names where they served in Vietnam. While the names are unfamiliar to the younger generation, he urged his fellow veterans to cherish those names or the memory of their service. Then calling up the students in the audience to stand around him, he explained, the veterans' service and sacrifice was for the next generation.

"For these young people will take that flag that you held high and never let drag in the mud, they will take it - guys like this, girls like that, little one like this - and will keep America strong," he said.

Then turning to the students, Jackson continued: "Young people look out there, the future you have today was given to you by the men and women standing in front of you. Don't throw it away. Whatever you choose in life, do it well, do it with pride and ...give them the reverence they deserve."

As the program ended, the public and the veterans alike made their way to The Wall.

The wall was open to public viewing 24 hours a day. On Friday, Joe Franks was the guest speaker for a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. followed by the playing of "Taps" at 8 p.m. Taps was again be played at 8 p.m. Saturday.

The closing ceremony was held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with Sue Rogers as guest speaker. A color guard was provided by the SEMO Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard from Poplar Bluff. Following a 21-gun salute, "Taps" was also played, ending The Traveling Wall's stay at New Madrid.