The first time we saw it was over 20 years ago.
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC
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Having lived during the Vietnam War era, standing before the wall was extremely moving.
Mr. Goo Shoes did something while we were there, but didn't tell me until later that day.
When he did, it moved me to tears.
He randomly selected the name of a soldier on the wall. He made a vow that he would never forget him, and would come to honor his name every time he visited DC.
Four years ago, we went back, and true to his word, he paid respects to this soldier…a Sergeant in the Army, from Wisconsin, who was 23 years old when he was killed.
On this visit, my son and I also picked out random names. We, too, promised ourselves that we would pay tribute to these men for the sacrifices they made for our country, each and every time we visited Washington, DC.
Our son is headed to DC on a school trip soon. We reminded him of the pledge he made four years ago.
We didn't have to remind him of the name he picked. He remembered.
This is our family's small way of honoring our country's fallen soldiers. We take a moment to think of them, and thank them for their service on Memorial Day, too. These three men whom we did not know, are symbolic of all of those who lost their lives in battle.
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Iwo Jima Memorial, Washington, DC
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National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
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