Veterans Post
The Wall-honors those that have fallen
By FREDDY GROVES

Are you a Vietnam veteran? Have you been to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.? Many veterans haven't, citing travel distance as the reason why, when maybe it isn't the real reason. You know what I'm talking about.

Whether you've been there or not, there are two ways you can help keep alive the memories of those who were lost in Vietnam.

1. The Moving Wall is a halfsize model of the Wall in D.C. (see www.themovingwall.org) that's been touring the country for more than 20 years now. The annual tour (each April to November) is coming to an end for this year. Is your location on the list for next year? If so, check out the sponsor for the visit to your area, usually a nonprofit group. It will need help in all kinds of ways, in advance and on site, from assembly of the wall panels to parking and food prep.

If the Moving Wall isn't scheduled to come to your area, consider making that happen. Go to the Web site and download the handbook and application to see what's involved. You can also call (906) 885-5599.

2. Visit the Virtual Wall online and fill in some blanks (see www.virtualwall.org). The Virtual Wall is a site that honors those whose names are on the Wall in Washington, D.C. Many names have a link to an individual page with citations, personal info and photos. But many don't have any information at all.

Check a name or two. Is there information on their pages? If you add your thoughts and recollections, plus any photos you have, you'll be honoring the memory of those who fell in battle. It could mean a lot to a son or daughter, or at this point even a grandchild, to have information that maybe only you can provide.

Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send an e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.