Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Wall is coming to Bowling Green, KY!

The Wall. The replica of the U.S. Vietnam Memorial, Wall is coming to Bowling Green, KY next weekend. It will be here for 4 days and the memorial will be open 24 hours a day. Our house is only about 1.8 miles from Aviation Park where it will be erected to come and view. I will be going for sure. I may visit it everyday. My father's name is on that wall. He lost his life in 1968 during a time of free love and protest here in the United States. My mother and I lived in Fort Benning, GA during this time. Always waiting for that phone call or just a letter that would be delivered from a land far away. I often reflect how my life would be different had my father lived and been an integral part of my life. But I know that is not realistic thinking, but in my heart when I think of him, I am still a little girl dreaming of the what if, if we, if he, if I, and of course special events and monumental changes that come with a father being in a child's life. In a strange way, It is as if my father is visiting me. It's morbid I know. Although his name will be amongst 58,000 plus names on that wall...his will be there, too. The wall is coming to Bowling Green, KY and while some may see it as a sad thing, I am looking forward to seeing it here in my new city, new state, and where my life is happening now. My father is a hero to me. He is a hero to his men. I still remember as a teenager that I would catch my mother reading my father's letters and every once in awhile she would receive letters from the men my father served with in Vietnam. So, I am excited to visit The Wall. The Wall where my father's name rests for eternity.

6 comments:

amy said...

wow. just wow.

michele said...

wow. this sounds like a really important moment in your life. that wall is coming to you for a reason. hugs.

Murphy's Law said...

it's not morbid that you feel close to your dad. and so glad the beautiful wall will never let him be forgotten. God's blessings to you and your family.

ellen s. said...

i am lucky to be close to D.C and have seen it a few times and every time i am overcome with emotion. it is amazing.

JoanneK said...

Very well written Kimberly. Seeing that wall and having it erected near your home is very special! Not morbid at all, he holds a special place in your heart and will always be there!

Shannon said...

Kimberly your post mad me want to cry.. I love your perspective on the Wall coming to your area.