The following is an anonymous writing which will surely have an impact on all readers. This “From the Other Side” writing will bring you face to face with a soldier and one who visited him at the wall. It is most appropriate that all should read this at this time.

At first there was no place for us to go until someone put up that black granite wall. Now every day and night my brothers and my sisters wait to see the many people from places afar file in front of this wall. Many stopping briefly and many for hours and some that come on a regular basis. It is hard at first, not that it’s gotten any easier, but it seems that many of the attitudes towards that Vietnam War that we were involved in have changed.

I can only pray that the ones on the other side have learned something. And more “walls” as this one, need not ever be built. Several members of my unit and many that I did not recognize have called me to the wall by touching my name engraved upon it. The tears aren’t necessary but are hard, even for me to hold back. Don’t feel guilty for not being with me my Brothers. This was my destiny as it is yours to be on that side of the wall. Touch the wall my Brothers so that we can share in the memories that we had. I have learned to put the bad memories aside, and I remember only the pleasant times that we had together. Tell our other brothers out there to come and visit me. Not to say “goodbye” but to say “hello” and be together and even for a short time and to ease that pain of loss that we all still share.

Today, an irresistible and loving call summons me to the wall. As I approach, I can see and elderly lady and as I get closer and as I get closer I recognize her……it’s Mama. As much as I have looked forward to this day, I also have dreaded it because I didn’t know what reaction I would have. Next to her, I suddenly see my wife and immediately how hard it must have been for her to come to this place. And my mind floods with the pleasant memories of thirty years past. There’s a young man in a military uniform standing with his arms around her….MY GOD…he has to be my son! Look at him trying to be the man without a tear in his eye. I yearn to tell him how proud I am.

Seeing him standing tall, straight and proud in his uniform, Mama comes closer and touches the wall and I feel the soft and gentle touch I had not felt in so many years. Dad has crossed to this side of the wall and through our touch; I try to convey to her that Dad is doing fine and is not longer suffering or feeling pain. I see my wife’s courage building as she sees Mama touch the wall and she approaches and lays her hand on my waiting hand. All the emotions, feelings, and memories of three decades past flash between our touch and I tell her that “it’s alright, carry on with your life and don’t worry about me”. I can see as I look into her eyes that she hears and a big burden has been lifted from her. On wings of understanding.

I watch as they lay flowers and other memories of my past. My lucky charm that was taken from me and sent to her by my Commanding Officer, a tattered and worn teddy bear that I can barely remember having as I grew up….as a child. And several medals that I had earned and were presented to my wife. One is the

Combat Infantry Bade that I am very proud of and I notice that my son is also wearing that medal. I had earned mine in the jungles of Vietnam and he had probably earned his in the deserts of Iraq. I can tell that they are preparing to leave and I try to take a mental picture of them together because I don’t know when I will see them again. I wouldn’t blame them if they were not to return and can only thank them that I was not forgotten.

My wife and Mama near the wall for one final touch and so many years of indecision, fear, and sorrow are let go. As they turn to leave, I feel my tears that had not flowed for so many years form as if dew droops as if on the other side of the wall. They slowly move away with only a glance over their shoulders. My son suddenly stops and slowly returns. He stands straight and proud in front of me and snaps a salute. Something draws him near the wall and he puts his hand upon etched stone and touches my tears that had formed dew drops on the face of the wall. And I can tell that he senses my presence and the pride and love I have for him.

He falls to his knees and the tears flow from his eyes and I try my best to reassure him that “it’s alright, and the tears do not make him less of a man”. As he moves back, wiping the tears from his eyes, he silently mouths: “God Bless You Dad”. And I say: “God Bless You Son, we will meet someday but in the meantime go on your way. There is no hurry. There is no hurry at all. As I see them walk off in the distance I yell out to them and everyone there today, as loud as I can: THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING!

-Barbara Skokan