Visit the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall

In 2008 the motorcycle magazine I was working for asked me to go photograph the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The truck carrying the traveling memorial wall was to arrive at a motorcycle shop and then be escorted by motorcyclists on the rest of the journey where it would be displayed.

The day started out in a torrential rain and I thought the event would be a wash. Since we had camera equipment to carry, we decided to drive to the motorcycle shop in our truck to see what the plans were. I couldn't believe my eyes. The truck carrying the Memorial Wall sat in the parking lot and hundreds of motorcycles surrounded it. Drenched riders were in the motorcycle shop trying to dry off and warm up with hot coffee.

Motorcycles continued to arrive. Some riders were dressed in rain gear, some had devised garbage bags as rain protectors and some just had on jackets. I walked around, talking with a few that I knew and heard several comments about the weather.

"I didn't think you'd come out in this rain"

"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss the honor of escorting The Wall for anything!"

"Bad weather didn't stop the names on that wall from protecting us and it wasn't going to stop me from escorting them."

The rain started to let up just before the ride to escort the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to its destination began. The truck pulled out; followed by so many motorcycles it was impossible to get a count.

The ride had to go through a couple of towns on its route. People lined the streets, some had flags and some just stood saluting as the truck and the bikes went by. You could feel the emotion that just seeing that truck, decorated with the American Flag, brought to the people it passed.

The next day we went to tour the exhibit. The Memorial Wall was set up in conjunction with The Bond County Fair, in Greenville, Illinois. It had its own entrance, and while you had to pay to get into the fair, there was no charge to view the exhibit.

If you ever get the chance to tour the traveling memorial wall, it is well worth your time. My husband was not a veteran, but his father and both brothers were. Luckily, all three of them returned home. As you view the wall of names, you realize just how many did not and it brings an overwhelming emotion.

Some people found names of loved ones to show their children. The small children looked on with awe and respect, realizing a part of their family was etched on that wall. The exhibit included old artifacts and photos from many generations back. As we walked around, we heard conversations discussing the different exhibits. Elderly men, who were obviously veterans, discussed the exhibits with younger people, explaining just how the items were used, or what they were for.

I am thankful to those who bring this Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to towns and people who would otherwise not get to see it. Seeing that huge wall with all of those names, makes you realize just how much some families have lost so that we may have our freedom. Visit a traveling wall, or thank a veteran, not just on Veteran's day, but whenever you get the chance.