One man stopped his vehicle, got out,made a salute and then began to cry before returning to his truck, driving off.
One elderly lady touched the name she was searching for and instantly burst into tears.
One young student stood in silence as his innocent eyes scanned over the thousands of names.
And one veteran remembered a friend as he placed a flag as close to his name as he could on a rainy day.
The Moving Wall spent five days in Yazoo City. And although it is half the size of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C., it’s impact was larger than life.
“Far too many of you were not properly thanked for your service during the Vietnam War, and you were not properly welcomed home,” said Maj. General T.K. Moffett, to Vietnam veterans Friday. “On behalf of a grateful nation, this general simply says, ‘thank you,’ and secondly, ‘welcome home.’”
Although the weather was wet for most of its visit, the Moving Wall attracted thousand of locals, students and visitors to Yazoo City.
From as close as Grand Avenue to as far away as South Dakota, there were all walks of life present to visit The Moving Wall.
“Isn’t this just awesome,” one volunteer asked, as a gigantic American flag flew above the crowd.
“This is the best thing Yazoo City has had in awhile, in my lifetime,” another volunteer said, as the crowd grew during Friday’s dedication ceremony.
There were about 3,000 people present at the dedication ceremony alone. And the number continued to grow over the next few days.
Not only was The Moving Wall a reminder of the sacrifice of so many veterans, it was also a reminder of Yazoo’s spirit. All of the preparation prior and assistance during The Moving Wall’s presence was accomplished through volunteers and donations.
“We are honored and privileged to have this Wall in Yazoo City, which means a lot to us...and more to the parents, families and loved ones of those on this Wall,” said Col. Hugh Long, who served three tours in Vietnam. May they never be forgotten.”
Hundred of veterans made the journey to visit The Moving Wall. Many came to honor their friends who never made it home from the jungles of Vietnam. Some came to remember all who served, period.
“I wasn’t going to let this rain keep me away,” said one Vietnam veteran, as he took a drag on his cigarette. “It was raining like this when we were over there, and we still kicked butt.”
Emotions ranged from pride and grief to inspiration and respect.
“Although there were many failures by some politicians and military leaders in the Vietnam era, you were not one of them,” Moffett said, to veterans. “Each of you responded to the call and did your duty. The 58,283 whose names are on The Moving Wall paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Moffett added that the veterans of the Vietnam War stopped the spread of communism.
“To a significant extent, the Cold War was won and the Berlin Wall was torn down on the backs of your sacrifice in the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam,” Moffett said.
Gen. Jeff Hammond reminded others that the names on The Moving Wall were more than just names, etched forever in memory.
“The names on this Wall are real people who had real families,” Hammond said. “Every one of them has a story. Every one of them served because they had the moral courage to serve their country; not run...but serve.”
Gov. Phil Bryant was visibly filled with emotion as he shared his feelings about the veterans during the dedication ceremony Friday. He also is a member of a motorcycle club that raised funds for wounded warriors.
“...many of which were young men who barely knew the horrors of what they would face,” Bryant said. “But without question, they went, served and died. They were men of daring, courage...fun-loving.”
Bryant said walls are constructed for protection. And those who man the walls are the watchmen of freedom.
“Behind me are engraved the names of the watchmen of world freedom,” Bryant said. “And never forget those of you who came home from the war who were not properly thanks. Somehow our country failed you. We will never let that happen again.”
