Success Story

Vets of Iraq, Afghanistan Honor Sacrifices of Older Generation
November 22 2011

At 10 pm on November 18, two dozen IAVA members assumed a 24-hour watch at the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall. The monument is a scale replica of the wall in Washington D.C. and is on display at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum as it makes its way throughout the country.

Throughout the night and the next day, IAVA members endured the cold to keep the faith with their fellow veterans of the Vietnam War. Many had connections to the military due to the service of their parents.

The memorial is dedicated to Vietnam veterans and honors all service men and women of the U.S. military forces. Dignity Memorial created it as a service to those who might never travel to the nation’s capital to experience “The Wall” firsthand. The 240-foot long, eight-foot high, faux-granite replica contains the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam.

Testimonials:

Marine veteran Vianney Ramirez had this to say about his experience:

“I met a fellow Iraq War veteran who served in the Air Force, and got to spend some time with my other friend who also volunteered. The wall was overwhelming. It gave me a real account of the number of men who sacrificed everything, and paved the way for younger generations like us. Spending time in the presence of Vietnam War Veterans is humbling enough, but standing before those panels with miles of names is a different experience.

When I arrived I began to walk the wall from East to West with my good friend and found myself turning around a quarter of the way after seeing some pictures and mementos laid at the base of some of the panels with units, and even pictures. I did not want to make it more of a somber moment than it was so I made comments on the 'Serene' Yacht that was docked across the wall as I walked away to help keep my emotions from overcoming me. It reassured me that these are not just names on a wall, but men who's families still grieve.”

Another volunteer, Air Force veteran Matthew Pizzo said:

“Volunteering was more than spending an afternoon on the USS Intrepid and visiting a replica of one of the most well recognized memorials in Washington, it was an opportunity to honor in a small way those who had fought and served before me. My father often speaks of the lack of respect and appreciation his generation gave his fellow servicemen, and with all the encouragement and support I am now receiving for having served, the least I could do was give back and spend my day recognizing those men and women for all they had sacrificed. The biggest reward came from helping visiting veterans find the names of friends, lending an open ear and listening as they swapped stories and lessons learned. I felt as though I was able to help them through an emotional day and an emotional time. It underscores the fact that regardless of the situation, vets will always be there to support one another.”

Get Involved:

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