It has been said almost no family in America got away without losing someone during the Viet Nam war.

The name of my family member was Lawrence William Shay, Jr. His name is carved more to the left side of the wall than to the center, meaning he was one of the early ones to die.

The names are not alphabetical, but listed according to the date of death. His name is too high for us to reach to get a tracing of it, unless someone provided a high step-ladder.

In honor of all who were killed in action, missing in action, prisoners of war not accounted for and served and came home we proudly present you with this beautiful song from George Jones:

The Wall is probably the most poignant memorial in Washington DC. People criticized it for its simplicity, but it still brings family and friends, sadness and happy memories.

Thank you, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines for what you did that got your names on The Wall. We’d rather it was blank, but it moves us when we see it. Sleep well and may you all be in Heaven.

Written by ~J~

2 Responses to “In Memory of the KIA, MIA and POW in Viet Nam”

1. Sue says:

   December 12, 2007 at 12:47 am

   I saw George Jones perform this song live and there was not a dry eye in the house at its completion.

   You are so right J, there are many who were touched by the Viet Nam war as there are in any war throughout history. We certainly have family and many friends who were lost there.

   I remember my first visit to The Wall. It was a very emotional one and I am sure that if I returned the same feelings would be present.

   Thanks for posting this and may we all hope that as our men and women return from overseas in the coming months, we treat them with the same respect they have shown us and our country in their voluntary service.
2. ~J~ says:

   December 12, 2007 at 8:35 am

   may we all hope that as our men and women return from overseas in the coming months, we treat them with the same respect they have shown us and our country in their voluntary service.

   Amen to that. Even if someone doesn’t support the war I hope they honor the military as they say they support them.