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