- A SOLDIER'S STORY

- LONESOME EAGLE -

--GECKO COUNTRY

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- The Wall - This veteran's Home Page needs your help

- FIRE BASE DALLAS - Gunny Williams Home Page For Vietnam Veterans-

- VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND

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On the eve of Memorial Day 1989, my husband Joe and I were at Houston's Hermann Park for the celebration.

Joe is a decorated Vietnam vet who served thirty-one consecutive months in combat. Joe's military background, my knowledge as a peer among young adults during the Vietnam Era and our shared life together made us interested participants in the planned events that weekend.

We had gone to the park to take part in a ceremony, a candlelight vigil and walk in honor and remembrance of American POWs and MIAs who are still in Vietnam.

Before the ceremony started, I noticed many veterans wore their military medals, unit insignias and pieces of uniforms; some carried the white on black POW/MIA flag.

The tone of the ceremony was set; it would be somber, one of remembrance and love.

During the ceremony, I listened closely as each person told his or her own special story; each person admonishing the crowd that we must not forget the POWs and MIAs.

One young lady told a particularly touching story about her last memory, at age five, of her Dad as he left for Vietnam.

She spoke of how she longed for her Dad to be there for her through school, dating and for her forthcoming marriage; suddenly from behind the crowd, a group of vets shouted, "We'll be there for you!"

Surveying the crowd after the candles had been lit, the vets held their candles as if they were fragile, in such a way as to cradle their flames as though they were cradling and sheltering their friends who had never returned.

The vigilance was quiet, honorable and eerie in appearance.

On Memorial Day, Joe and I went to Hermann Park again. The "Moving Wall" was erected on the grounds and a nursery had donated hundreds of long-stemmed carnations and potted flowers for people to place at the Wall.

I could see broken hearts as they had been lain open and bare before the Wall, in poems, letters, flags, unopened beer and full cigarette packs.

As I walked the grounds, I saw vets who were caring and sharing; celebrating and reveling in each other, knowing that every vet there meant one more had made it back.

A few vets, but not many, appeared to be angry and sullen, but their pain was evident. I believe the vets came to Hermann Park that weekend to honor their own and to give and receive understanding.

I think the vets knew that if understanding was to be found anywhere, that it would be there. I treasure in my heart and mind how the vets' shared experience in Vietnam, surely the most monumental experience of their lives, drew them together in a oneness, even though many did not know the faces or names of those in the park.

That weekend, I came to know in some small way, the kindred spirit of camaraderie.

I feel privileged to have been able to share in its' spirit in this special observance with these special people.

Kaye B. McCoy September, 1989

- VETERANS RING OF HONOR

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