WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A powerful journey of healing and remembrance. As the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Fifty years after the end of a war that divided a nation, Wisconsin veterans are walking together toward a symbol of remembrance and healing.
“Brings back a lot of memories, a lot of everything. It’s hard to do,” said Vietnam veteran Don Albers.
More than 58,000 names are carved into the black granite of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor those killed in the war.
For Don Albers this isn’t just a memorial, it’s a journey of reflection. It was a long road, not just the miles to Washington, but the emotional reminder of a war they rarely talk about.
“I have really shared it with anyone, it’s all stuff you kind of keep to yourself,” said Albers.
Jim Knotts, the president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund, says the simplicity and depth of the wall have made it one of the most visited memorials in the country.
Navy veteran Tom Hoffman rubbed off the name of a close friend who didn’t make it home. “He was a medic and got killed saving another soldier,” said Hoffman.
When Hoffman and Albers made it home, the journey was far from over.
“When we got back, nobody wanted anything to do with us as Vietnam vets,” said Hoffman.
A replica of this wall travels the country throughout the year. It allows people who can’t see it in person a chance to pay tribute and maybe find some closure.
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