Editor, OBSERVER:
I attended the Vietnam Wall closing ceremony last weekend in Eden. Please consider the poem to be published so people realize the impact not only myself but many have encountered from that event.
I wrote this poem during the ceremony. All because I saw a man from a distance who for some unforeseen reason caught my attention. This man, who I find out later to be Don, was standing with fist clinched and the other hand placed tightly on the wall. I knew then that he had lost a dear friend and was a hero veteran himself.
I saw a man, a man of strength
A fallen tear, a loss for years
A fist clinched tight, an emotion of might
His hand upon the wall, his prayer for them all
I asked him why, as he breathed a subtle sigh
He replied as he hugged a man unknown; thanks for letting me know I am not alone
All gave some, some gave all, compose yourself, look at that wall
One thing is certain, you are not forgotten, peace to all at their final curtain
A soldier's silhouette appears on the wall, a fallen hero who salutes their final call
For those who endure this sorrow and pain, my brother, my friend, your memory remains.
In honor of a veteran named Don
BILL MATTESON,
Fredonia
