Larry Tanner: They Say It Heals

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is sacred ground, whether in our nation’s capitol or represented by the traveling replica known as “The Wall That Heals.”

The names of casualties carved into the monument are small, but permanent. Each represents a lost life—a buddy, loved one, a fellow citizen.  The names evoke powerful memories for the men and women who served during the war.  “It’s a remembrance of sad times,” says Larry Tanner of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. He was there as a young Marine. Now he is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 862. They brought The Wall to Beaver County again.

This audio short story is based on a 3am visit to the memorial in the fall of 2014. At times silent shadows would softly appear, meander through the grounds, and then the unknown visitors would melt back into the pre-dawn darkness.

“People come and go like that,” Larry said.  “Many of these late-night visitors were there, too. Maybe they’re still there.  Some never make it into the park where the memorial is. They keep their distance. Everyone has their own way of visiting The Wall and remembering. We don’t judge. We’re just here to welcome them home.”