Veterans of the VietnamWar and their families gathered last weekend at Brookside Memorial Park on US59, to reflect on their experiences in the war and honor those whose names appeared on the replica of the monument, whose original is on the Mall in Washington D.C.
Among the veterans on hand were many Vietnam vets, and those of other wars also. The occasion was a solemn time to reflect on experiences and values of soldiers of all times and places.
Veteran Vincent Cantu, and his comrade Nathan Harvey, fought in 1965 in the battle of Ia-Drang Valley. Specifically, it was at Landing Zone XRAY. This is near the Vietnam/Cambodia border, and has been characterized as a pivotal early battle in the war. One of the most savage and significant battles of the war. Cantu was awarded a Bronze Star for his bravery in this battle, and a book and movie, entitled We were Soldiers, Once and Young, by Lt. Gen. Harold Moore and Joseph Galloway, was written about this battle.
The movie starred Mel Gibson and Sam Elliott. A picture of Cantu carrying a wounded soldier was widely circulated at the time. Cantu now lives on Mt. Houston Road in Northeast Houston. Other local soldiers on hand included Carlos Garzos, a member of the Golden Dragons 25th infantry unit.
The Vietnam Wall Memorial is a traveling, three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was at Brookside Memorial Park July 7 through July 9.
Since its dedication in 1982, the permanent memorial in Washington, D.C. has evoked tears, pride and sympathy among the millions who have visited it.
Dignity Memorial funeral, cremation and cemetery providers created this powerful memorial as a service to those who may never visit the nations capital to see The Wall firsthand. The exhibit crisscrosses the country each year, allowing millions of visitors to see and touch the black, mirror-like surface inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam. Honoring all U.S. veterans and dedicated to Vietnam veterans, the faux-granite replica is 240 feet long and eight feet high.
Great measures have been taken to ensure the spirit and integrity of the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall. The purpose is to honor veterans by bringing this 240-foot replica to the communities. Dignity Memorial provides the replica to communities at no cost.