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ANCHORAGE - Honoring the fallen… The Moving Wall that displays the name of every person who died or went missing during the Vietnam War has made its way back to Anchorage to also give Alaskans the chance to honor their own. The Moving Wall memorial is designed to give people an up close and personal look at those who gave their lives for our country. This year Alaskans will get to be remembered also, as a group of determined individuals braved the rain to make sure the Moving Wall was up and visible for all of Anchorage to see. Focused on honoring their own, for a group of Alaskans, the job was pretty simple: making sure the wall they put up stands so all can see it and remember the 58,195 names of soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. “We are out here in the rain just doing what we got to do,” said volunteer Mark Kaminski, who is a military veteran. “Just to remember what people have sacrificed to give us the right to be out here and honor them is for me an honor.” It’s a sacrifice the Anchorage South Rotary took seriously. It hosted the Moving Wall, which has traveled the country for over 20 years to give people the chance to see a replica of the memorial that stands in Washington D.C. “Our veterans and our veterans of foreign wars are definitely the people that stepped up to the line and quite a few of them paid the price,” said Anchorage South rotary member Dr. Mark Mitchell. “It’s amazing how fast this thing can go up, go down and go to another site around the state.” It was a powerful experience for Vietnam veteran Tom Becka to not only help get it up, but to make sure those with whom he served are not forgotten. “It’s kind of a long time coming, but it’s nice to look back and remember what went on there and not regret what happened,” said Becka. It’s an appreciation for those who gave up the ultimate sacrifice: a price Becka says can be honored simply by saying thank you. “If you have loved ones or friends or relatives, to come and share just a quiet moment with someone that has passed during the Vietnam conflict is well worth it.” The Moving Wall, which is on Ninth and I Street on the park strip, will be up from now till July 2 for all to see. On June 30 there will be a ceremony, which will include a reading of the 58 names of Alaskans who died in the Vietnam War, as well as 28 Alaskans who died in the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Grenada. |
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palladinrn said on Wednesday, Jun 27 at 1:12 AM
I was in college during the Viet Nam War and it is my regret that early on I was caught up in the political schizophrenia of the time. I did not participate in any activities that targeted service men and women during that time however, to my regret I knew of it happening and did not condemn the activities. After spending several months in Nigeria, I came understand just how special being an American is and I have not forgotten the lessons that I learned while living on foreign soil. Every living American owes an immeasurable debt to ALL of the men and women of our military, past and present for the freedoms that they take for granted every single day. The despicable way our veterans have been treated and still are treated today should make every one of us hang our heads in shame. They have given their lives for a people who, for the most part, have little regard for their sacrifice. I for one am speaking out for the undeserving to say "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE and GOD BLESS YOU."
947168361sayeroftruth said on Tuesday, Jun 26 at 9:19 AM
Some gave all,all gave some.Semper Fi the world has changed a great deal.I am glad the troops who serve today are gave the respect warranted a veteran. I remember getting off the plane in San Francisco and the reaction of people that treated us like trash and this was the same people that run around today with American flags waving. Some say I am bitter I will agree with that. But take any 17 year old and put him in the situation I was in and see what comes home if they ever do. Sorry about rambling on I am proud of the time I served and will defend this piece of ground to my dying breath.Here is to the men and women who serve and defend our homeland in whatever means.I salute you all and thank you for at least letting me vent.
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