A couple of local men from Grand Blanc are spearheading the plans to bring the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall (see related story on page 5), a three-quarter size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to Genesee County’s Bluebell Beach this summer.

Those who have seen the real wall in Washington, D.C., or even the replica, will tell you it’s an awe-inspiring sight and moving experience.

My grandfather, great uncles and cousins fought in WWII. A great uncle — “Uncle Officer,” who later became an undercover narcotics agent, eventually dying from complications from Agent Orange — served three tours in Vietnam; and other family members served in various capacities as well, including as welders on tanks.

I certainly don’t agree with the current war or our demagogue leader in Washington, D.C. who refuses to acknowledge reason. But given my family history, I have been raised to respect the dedication of our service men and women.

WWI was The Great War; WWII was the war to end all wars; The Korean War is often referred to as the forgotten war. Much like the current conflict, public opinion was split on the Vietnam War, largely regarded as unpopular. Too many Vietnam veterans returned to a seemingly ungrateful nation. Who knows how the current War on Terror will be regarded in history.

If anything good did come out of the mess in Vietnam (even decades too late), it’s that people now realize the shameful treatment of those veterans. Even those who are adamantly opposed to the war in Iraq are just as adamant in their support of the men and women in the military.

It’s important to bring a monument like this to the area. I would urge parents to take their children. Each generation must learn respect for the dedication and sacrifice of our military. This is a perfect opportunity to begin that experience.

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