I live in Branson, Missouri. You may have heard of it. We
have a bit of a reputation of being a live music mecca.
We also do Veterans Week really well. We love our Veterans.
They are a special breed. We honor them every day, but Veteran's Day is so
special to us we turned it into a week.
Back about eleven years or so ago, the traveling Viet Nam
Wall was here for our celebration. It went to several different sites over the
next few years.
It finally landed at the Lawerence Welk theatre. They hosted
it every year after that. Last year they purchased it and it is then assured of
being here every Veterans week in Branson.
When the wall is here they have readers read the names on
the wall from a directory they have. The names are in alphabetical order with
name, rank, service branch, dob and dod and hometown. In honor of those who
gave all they want them read aloud. You don't have to shout, just read as
though talking to someone, and in essence you are. You are reading to the boys
who gave all.
You are telling the boys that someone cares. That someone
remembers, even if for those few days in November.
It can be humbling. Knowing that all the boys, whether 17 or
47, went there with the hope of returning and they didn't. They knew it was a
possibility, but we all know there is a possibility that we won't return from
any journey however big or small.
They knew it was a possibility when they went.
When they landed they knew it was a probability.
When they saw their buddy next to them fall dead, they felt
they may be next. For some they were.
You read these names as much for the buddies who survived as
for the ones who didn't.
You read for the girlfriends, mothers, fathers, siblings and
off-spring.
You read for yourself. Even if you don't think that is why
you are going to do it. After you are there and have read a few, you know. It
is for you.
I had thought of volunteering to do this for a few years.
But, you know, you think, ah, they don't need ME. There are plenty of others
able and willing. Let them. Or rather, honor them with the pleasure. I knew I
would enjoy doing it, but one thing lead to another, and I didn't.
Then last year I met the lady who sets up the readers. She
is a new member of my congregation. She put out a plea for readers. I thought
about it.
Didn't do it.
This year, when the plea went out, and it does in the paper
and in my case to my Bible class, I told my husband I wanted to do it. He said
sign up, I will get you there.
I called her and said do you still need readers. She said
yes.
I signed up for a half-hour in the early afternoon. It was
one of the spots she was having trouble filling.
The weather was nice, cool. Did I say you read the names
outside near the wall? So, you dress for the weather.
They have a tent-room from which to read. It is open on the
sidewalk side, but closed on the other three, helping to protect from the wind.
They offer us coffee.
When I got there, a man was still reading and I took over
from him.
It is easy. You just read the names and the info.
And then, you notice someone standing in front of you. You
look up. He meets your eye, puts out his hand and says, " Thank You."
Then you notice the tears in his eyes and the Viet Nam patch he wears. And you
thank him.
Thank you to all of you who have served, either in the
military or in support of the family while they serve. Thank you especially to
those of you have lost a loved one while serving in the military.
