Vietnam Veterans honored at Moving Wall Memorial

MOORHEAD, MINN. (KVRR) – “For the families to carry the panel with their loved one on it, it’s kind of heartbreaking. It’s almost like carrying a casket.”

The Moving Wall has been traveling the country for 40 years, and for 12 of those years Paul Chen has been its caretaker.

“It’s such a good feeling to bring the soldiers home who were killed in action, or are still missing in action to their own hometown.”

And for those that served with those who were lost in Vietnam, and others that came home, bringing The Wall back to our region meant a lot.

“I look at the wall and I see a classmate of mine who was one of the warmest loving people you’d ever want to know who died in that war. And I’m so grateful that this wall is erected in their honor. And to see [his] name on that wall for time eternal, to know that he gave his life for his country.”

The Wall came to our region many years ago, but Marine Corps Veteran Jerry Barnum says bringing it back this time is important for the family and friends of those lost.

“Many parents, if they haven’t passed, are not able to travel. And just the idea that someone they know, someone they loved is being honored in the communities across this country.”

Over the years, Barnum has seen many of his friends who came back from Vietnam suffer from PTSD from their experience.

He says that after the war many of the men who came back struggled to find acceptance and community as Vietnam Veterans.

“The fact of taking a life, and living with that for a lifetime. And living with the PTSD that comes with that, and the alcoholism and drugs that followed.”

But he hopes that memorials like The Moving Wall can bring that acceptance, and with it maybe offer those that served a chance to heal.

“Now they can look back. I cried today. I cried today when I thought of my friends that are now getting help, and are recognized for the sacrifice that they made.”