Duty, Honor, Sacrifice

I went geocaching after work the other day and it brought me to a place that really made me think. It always does.   And I always find something new.

This is the Vietnam War Memorial tribute. I believe this was dedicated back in 2003.

Duty, Honor, Sacrifice. This was the first time that I'd actually read the plaque below the statue.

This is the eternal flame. It used to burn all day, every day, rain or shine, but a few years ago, the flame was put out due to city maintenance reasons, but the meaning still stands strong. Every now and then though, when I come in to work, I do see the flame. It's nice.  

These bricks are laid out along the aisle way that leads up to the monument, each one with a dedication.

This was one that I'd never taken notice of before. But it really struck me.

This goes out to all of our everyday heroes, sworn and civilian, known and unknown, young and old.   Thank you for your service.

Cheers!

Vietnam Memorial (182/365)

Today's visit to the Vietnam Memorial...

I've been here a few times in my childhood. But I never really took it all in until today. After work, I had met up with a friend who wanted to take some pictures in and around the area of the memorial. The Vietnamese heritage is important to me; I'm a first generation Vietnamese-American, born of parents who left Vietnam during and after the war, whose father fought for our freedom. I guess I kind of took that for granted. But today was different. In my later years of life, I started to see the world differently and had a completely different understanding and gained much respect for those who have fought for what they believed in, particularly those of military and law enforcement background. I live and grew up in a Vietnamese community, whose residents still remember the pains of their childhood, living as refugees and as children of the war - you see and feel the passion that they have to continue to fight for their freedom at every rally that is held in the city and beyond.

Today, as I approached the steps of the memorial site, I noticed dedications that I've not seen before. It brought tears to my eyes, to see the names of family members who have passed - who gave their lives for the chance at freedom for their country.

The one that I choked up on was this:

I just stood there... tears in my eyes. I knew many of the soldiers must have been younger than I am today. My own father, who I now have a deeper respect for, was a soldier at the tender age of 17. It was mindblowing. And I couldn't stop the tears.

Looking at the memorial as a whole now, I notice the "eternal flame." It's since been shut off and I was a little disappointed to see that. But what it stands for, still lives on in all of our hearts, and seeing it today rekindled mine.

Making my way closer still, I notice that many people, from near and far, travel to this memorial to pay their respects, leaving offerings of flowers and food. Shortly after this photo was taken, I noticed 2 parties come by. One with a man and wife taking photos and leaving offerings. The other, a man touching one of the name plate dedications, silent, and thoughtful. I stood there, not knowing what to do. I did nothing but stand there feeling sadness that I've not experienced before.

Before my friend called me over, taking me out of my trance to help her take pictures, I was left with this reminder at the base of the sculpture. This reminder too, is where I will leave you.

Thank you to all who have served, are serving, and will serve.