I Touched the Wall Today (The Vietnam Memorial Wall)

Emotions flooded my very soul as I viewed that Sacred Wall.
Etched for all eternity are hero's names who sacrificed their all.
I sensed that I was on hallowed soil as I knelt on bended knee.
I touched The Wall today, but more than that, The Wall touched me.

I offered a silent prayer for each of the names that I caressed.
Tho' their time here was brief, by them we were truly blessed.
They placed national destiny above their own defending liberty.
I touched The Wall today, but more than that, The Wall touched me.

They were ordinary Americans who performed extraordinary things,
Such grand and noble acts to ensure that freedom's bell yet rings!
They gave their full measure that humankind might live free.
I touched The Wall today, but more than that, The Wall touched me.

What might they have become, I muse, had fate not dealt them so,
A teacher, doctor, a farmer?  Alas, we shall never know.
To teach nations The Golden Rule, I suspect would be their plea.
I touched The Wall today, but more than that, The Wall touched me.

Tho' grander monuments have been built for those of greater fame,
This simple yet powerful memorial will keep alive the flame,
Of humanity's quest for brotherhood, peace and dignity.
I touched The Wall today, but more than that, The Wall touched me.

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)

Placed 7th in "The Best Day Of Your Life" Contest
Placed 3d in the "Your Best Poem" Contest" June 2010
Featured Poem Of The Week 2-9 May 2010
lst Place in Security Public Library (Colorado) Poetry Contest - May 2006
Published in Poet Bob Casey's Book, "An Oasis In A Cluttered World" - 2006

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 1/23/2021 8:54:00 PM
Outstanding as are you OS sterling character and golden pen. Congrats on all the well desrevdc rewards. Pangie. Xx
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Date: 6/9/2014 8:20:00 PM
After reading this something has occurred, This is truly touching in every sense of each word. Will remember it forever and never forget Even if it was an offensive many now call Tet. We need to write a poem together. Jim Horn
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Date: 7/4/2010 12:06:00 PM
Bob, Oh how I know what you feel. The nurse I feel was my big sister, was in WWII and lived in Wichita taking care of her mother. The WALL was in town and we went to see it. She found the name of her son-in-law on it. It was awsome. So glad I got to read this poem. God Bless, Cile
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Date: 6/13/2010 2:10:00 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful poem and its 3rd place win. I see it has been honored before with some wins and am not surprised. I have been gone to a convention and am just home and checking on our site the first thing. Love, Joyce
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Date: 6/10/2010 6:55:00 PM
Hey Bob big congrats on your win in Mac's best poem contest with this wonderful entry.. enjoy another special victory my friend.. with luv.. from the "Sweetheart"
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Date: 6/10/2010 6:39:00 PM
Congrats on 3rd place win, Bob.
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Date: 6/10/2010 6:20:00 PM
You know this hit me deep. We went there as a kid with my dad... one helluva poem. Congrats on your placement.
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Date: 6/10/2010 6:09:00 PM
Congratulations on your 3rd place win in my contest. A poem that ranks as one of my favorite poems to date. Well done my friend, well done.
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Date: 6/4/2010 12:49:00 PM
Congratulations on your success in round one of the Soup contest, Bob! Hope you place in the finals with this gem. Very moving. Love, Carolyn
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Date: 6/3/2010 11:19:00 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round Robert. I wish you the best in the finals. Love, Carol
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Date: 5/31/2010 9:12:00 AM
Congrats Bob on your poem making it to the first round of competition in the Poetry Soup contest... way to go my friend... good luck... with luv from the "Sweetheart"
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Date: 5/7/2010 9:49:00 AM
Congrats on being featured. Wonderful poem. Simply wonderful. Tony
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Date: 5/6/2010 9:30:00 AM
Congrats Robert on your featured write. I havwe 2 close friends written on that wall and a couple of others that I knew briefly. My brother was disabled in that war. Great write. Vince
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Date: 5/3/2010 7:04:00 PM
Congratulations Robert, my friend on your worthy poem feature this week. Agape, Moses
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Date: 5/3/2010 4:42:00 PM
Hello Rob...Like Chuck I found this a very moving work. Last Sunday, 25th April was ANZAC day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) Although mainly in memory of the men who died in WW1 it is amazing how many young people turn up for the services remembering all the fallen soldiers... Congratulations on being featured this week...Margaret
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Date: 5/3/2010 4:23:00 PM
Congrats Bob on your featured poem this week on the Soup.. an excellent choice to feature and share with us all.. with luv..from the "Sweetheart"
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Date: 5/3/2010 1:04:00 PM
what a moving sensitive work. emotionally unlimited. i still can't put into words how this work made me feel. thank you, chuck
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Date: 5/3/2010 9:25:00 AM
Many congrats on your featured piece. Rgds Janette
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Date: 5/3/2010 4:17:00 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week at PoetrySoup. May you have many more features Robert. Love,Carol
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Date: 4/15/2010 7:32:00 AM
This was a great tribute poem as well as best day remembered! A belated congratulations to you! LUv, andrea
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Date: 4/12/2010 3:15:00 AM
Congrats on your win and sharing that great day Robert My sister made it to The Wall and did a pencil scribe over my fathers name. I was all she could talk about whenever I came by
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Date: 4/10/2010 11:21:00 AM
This is a wonderful tribute to our fallen and an indication of what a great person and poet are you. Congratulations on your win.
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Date: 4/10/2010 6:00:00 AM
Congrats Bob on your brilliant and winning poem in Gareth's contest.. a magnificent write and resounding win so well deserved .. see u at the winners circle..luv.. "Sweetheart"
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Date: 1/12/2010 11:27:00 AM
Once again God bless you for your service for our freedom. Sincerely, Love, Moses
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Date: 1/12/2010 11:21:00 AM
First of all Robert let me thank you so much for your service. I was in the service during the vietnam era. An Sp/5 E-5, but was based in Europe for 18 months. This is an awesome moving write, Robert. Brings tears to my eyes and a lumb to my throat. As you have said, "May the true meaning of the Golden rule, be realized, as we learn that Love is what life is all about." I also welcome you to soup, it is a great place to make new friends. Everyone is very helpful, just ask if you need anything.
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