I saw the Vietnam wall in Washington DC.

My first attempt to walk the wall was in 1992. I couldn’t do it, broke down and went back to my car in tears.

On March 17 of 2006, I went back to the wall, only this time with a group of Vietnam Vets who were in PTSD therapy with me. It was one hell of a bitter cold day. Looking out of my front window at 5 AM, the ground and my car were covered with thick ice. Good thing I had a remote starter, as I couldn’t get into the car with my key or remote door opener until the car warmed up. It took about 45 minutes before I could open the car door.

I drove 9 miles to Dover, where we caught a bus for Washington DC. We were all able to walk the wall. There were thousands of Vietnam Vets lined up along the entire memorial wall and every one of them held out their hand to shake ours and say, ” Welcome Home.” I never heard that when we came home from that forsaken place. I plan on walking the wall again. Not sure I can do it by myself. Just the thought of it gives me anxiety. Hell, visiting the Vietnam Memorial in Dover, DE with fellow chapter VVA 850 vets brings a heavy heart to me.

At this moment I’m at a loss for words.

Rest in Peace.
~ Pat O’Connor, Vietnam War Veteran

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