From a war that Americans wanted to forget, comes the ‘Wall.’
The national traveling exhibit “Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience” will arrive in Denison July 22 for a three day-stay. The ‘Wall’ is a three quarter replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. and carries the names of the 58,209 Americans who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. It’s a war that divided the country during the 1960s and early 1970s. Many members of the public openly despised American soldiers who fought while others were simply happy their loved ones returned alive.
In the interim, the war has taken its place in history and the public is united in its reverence for the men and women who fought in Vietnam, especially those who died. Millions have visited the original wall in the nation’s capitol to pay their respects since it opened in 1982 but still millions more have not. And now, Americans in the Denison area will have the opportunity to do so in a unique way.
“Dignity Memorial recognized that many families and people don’t have the opportunity to visit the Wall, so they created this traveling exhibit,” explained Horace Groff who helped in the effort to bring the exhibit to Denison. “This is a great opportunity for our funeral home (Bratcher Funeral Home) to give back to the community and all you do for us.” Bratcher Funeral Home is part of the Dignity Memorial organization. Coffey-Murray Funeral Home in Durant will also co-sponsor the exhibit, he added.
Groff announced there would be an opening and closing ceremony for the exhibit and probably candlelight vigils at night. The exhibit is open 24 hours per day when it is on location. The volunteer committee will decide exactly what each ceremony will consist of in the coming weeks, Groff said.
“We will be having our first volunteer meeting shortly,” said Groff, retired Grayson County Judge. “We want a good mix of citizens. We will make an appeal to veteran groups and service organizations but we want everyone to participate.”
According to Groff, the timing of the ‘Wall’ couldn’t be better as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the end of the war.
“We only regret is that school children can’t come to visit as a group because it’s during the summer,” said Groff. “I hope parents will take this opportunity to bring their children to this wonderful teaching experience.”
According to the Dignity Memorial Web site, the ‘Wall’ exhibit will only make 18 stops in 2005; only two in Texas. It has been to more than 200 locations since 1990; the year of its inception. The exhibit is 240 feet in length and has to be assembled with frames and panels. The ‘Wall’ will be located in the northwest corner of the Denison High School practice fields near the tennis courts on the school’s campus.
Larry Riddle, Bratcher director, explained that he asked for the memorial to visit Denison. He is pleased that Denison is one of the few selected sites for the exhibit.
“We feel it is an honor to bring the exhibit as a dedication to all veterans; not just Vietnam,” explained Riddle. “but all who have served our country.”
Riddle smiled when recalling the notification of acceptance in October. “We were elated,” he said. “It usually takes three or four years to get on the list. We were notified within six months.”
Both Groff and Riddle emphasized that the exhibit will need community involvement for it to be a success. Volunteers will be needed to assist visitors in finding a name; operate the information booth, help with the books and laptops at the kiosk, work with hospitality and public safety.
“There will be material provided in order to make an etching of a name on the wall,” said Groff. “It is a very moving experience.” Groff added that the exhibit admission is free and nothing is sold or solicited on the site. A donation can be made to defer the cost of hosting the exhibit, he added. Many citizens are glad such an exhibit will come to Denison. Many are solemn in their reference to the ‘Wall’ as well.
“It is a rare opportunity for us to get it; a privilege really,” said Mayor Bill Lindsay, a Vietnam Veteran. “It’s a particular honor to have it here. I hope people have a good appreciation for it.” Lindsay, who has been to the original memorial in Washington, D.C., said everyone should take the time to see the exhibit while it is in Denison. “It is truly awe-inspiring,” he said.
Lindsay did two tours in Vietnam, from 1967-68 and 1971-72, as a helicopter pilot. He personally has a connection to the ‘Wall’ as he was shot down during combat.
“There are names of people I knew on there,” said Lindsay softly. “A couple of guys who were shot down with me but didn’t make it. There are the names of squadron mates and classmates from the Naval Academy, too.”
Another local veteran, who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era, is also glad the replica is coming to Denison.
“I think it’s the greatest thing in the world,” said Dennis Foran, of Sherman. “I think it gives us a chance to heal; a little closure. It gives us who came back a chance to pay honor to our brothers and sisters who didn’t.”
Ronnie Brame has seen firsthand the emotions that the ‘Wall Experience’ evokes. He coordinated its stay in Huntsville in November. More than 40,000 people visited the memorial. Huntsville Funeral Home sponsored the event as 800 people volunteered to work at the site.
“It was overwhelming to see the number of veterans who came out in support of the Wall,” said Brame. “It was inspiring. And it was just as inspiring to see the number of young people who volunteered as well.” He added that it was an “impressive sight” to see all the names on the wall.
“Those 58,000 names are breathtaking when you think about it,” he reflected. “It’s a reminder that we should be thankful to all veterans for the life we have today.” Brame continued with what he believes is the most poignant of images when one is at the site.
“It is incredibly moving to see the veterans’ reflections in the shiny surface as they look at the names of their fallen comrades,” he said softly. “The flags, the Wall and all those names really put a lump in your throat. It moved a lot of people. Some said it was almost more than they could take.”
According to Groff, citizen volunteers – possibly motorcycle groups – will escort the exhibit truck to Denison. Groff estimated that the escort would meet the exhibit near the Roosevelt Bridge on Highway 70 in Oklahoma and ride with it to Denison.
Riddle noted that volunteers should call Bratcher at (903) 465-2323 to offer their help. “We need everyone to participate,” he added. For more information on the exhibit, visit http://www.dignitymemorial.com/.
