Honoring America's Warriors
The Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Is Coming To a Town Near You
If you are a Vietnam veteran and can't make the trip to Washington, D.C. be on the lookout in your town for the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, aka the portable Vietnam Wall Memorial. Recently it came to my town, Payson, Arizona and although I wasn't expecting much, it turned out to be a moving experience. I have not had the honor (guts?) of seeing the real thing in our nation's capital (I will someday) but this particular memorial was very well executed and a tribute to the men who lost their lives during the Viet Nam War. I found two USMC buddies who gave their lives and I took a moment to remember each one of them.
Americans Committed To Honoring Marines And Others Who Gave Their Lives
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a group made up of veterans who are committed to the mission of traveling the USA to help fellow veterans honor, respect, and remember those who served and gave their lives in defense of their country. (Keep in mind that we respect the uniform, not always the cause). This mission also serves to focus attention to those currently serving and who have served our country in the past.
Marines And Other Service Members Paid Dearly For The Cost Of Freedom
The AVTT can be viewed online at www.avtt.org They fulfill their mission statement by presenting the "Cost of Freedom" tribute and exhibits consisting of: The centerpiece: An 80% size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. All the names of those who gave their lives are on it. It is 370 feet long and 8.5 feet tall at the apex. It is the largest traveling wall replica in the US. In addition to the wall is the Gold Dog Tag Memorial - recording all the names of servicemen and women who gave their lives in the service to their country since the Vietnam War, 911 Memorials and other exhibits like the Walk of Hero's World War II and Korean memorials.
The Loss Of Fellow Marines Is Painful
As a former Marine And Veteran Of the VN war it was emotional for me because it was the first time I actually saw the names of two dear friends from my hometown inscribed on the wall. It's almost like it wasn't real until that moment and after 35 plus years I had a good cry over it. I was able to locate them on the wall thanks to the helpful staff of AVTT, who gave me a moment to remember them, then was able to rub their names on the casualty sheet that lists their name, Panel # and Line #. In case you can't read the small print, "In honor of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in the Vietnam War. The names of those who gave their lives and those who remain missing are inscribed in the order they were taken from us."
In memoriam: Reavis A. Montrey Jr, USMC, Home of record: Ferguson, Missouri. Died of enemy small arms fire on 11/16/65 in the vicinity of Quang Nam, South Vietnam. Age 19.
And
In Memoriam: Victor J. Cartier, USMC, Home of Record, Webster Groves, Missouri. Died as a result of an enemy explosive device (mine) on 4/8/69 in the vicinity of Quang Nam, South Vietnam. Age 19.
UPDATE: September, 2008 I received the most wonderful letter from the sister of my Marine buddy Vince Cartier. She thanked me for remembering her brother and his service and we talked about some of the fun times we had before we knew anything about wars in far away places. Thanks again and God Bless, Renee.
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June 15th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Thank you for remembering my brother Vic Cartier. It's good to know he's not forgotten. He was a great guy and a damn good marine. For the last 35 years on Memorial Day weekend, family and friends have met at his grave site to share a few beers and stories. I went to the Wall for the first time this May and though he's been dead for almost 40 years, the tragedy of his death came fresh seeing his engraved name amongst so many others. I've had the opportunity to connect with quite a few of his marine buddies and realize what impact he had in his short life. Thank you again for his mention.