The Moving Wall

I was able to visit this display in Lakeport last weekend. It is a 1/2 scale replica of the VietNam War Veteran Memorial in Washington DC - and is on tour in the US. We were lucky enough to have it come to Lakeport. The display is truly amazing - all who see it are deeply moved. This is a selection of the pictures I took. Along the base of the wall, there were flowers and momentos left by those finding the names of their loved ones. The statue you see here was done to depict a soldier who had lost a leg in battle, he wears the helmet of a warrior, has an angel wing on one shoulder and appears to be caught between two worlds...you can feel the emotions of the sculptor when you see it. The table set is in remembrance of POW's/MIA's and is marked in symbolism.. the table is set for one, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors, the cloth symbolizes the purity of the Soldier's intent in answering his country's call to duty. The rose to remember his loved ones, friends and fellow troops left behind. There is a slice of lemon on the plate to symbolize the bitter fate of fallen soldiers, salt to remind us of the tears shed by his family. The glass is turned upside down - he cannot toast any longer - the Bible to remind us to pray for them always. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope that lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors to the open arms of a grateful nation.
I am really glad that I was able to view this display - and am forever grateful for the sacrafices that were made during the VietNam war and even more grateful now for the current soldiers who make daily sacrafices to allow us to live in a free country.