A wall of black granite in our nation's capital

Patriotic Poems

"The Wall of Regrets"

A wall of black granite in our nation's capital—
a recording of the names,
over 58,000 of the dead and missing,
and a memorial to those who survived,
a shiny, reflective, artistic and beautiful tribute—
commemorating our valiant soldiers
who fought for America's honor and freedom
in Vietnam.
But it's not enough.

While in service, these courageous men
endured unceasing vilification
in the media, in the streets,
for doing what their country asked of them.
Those blessed to make it through
came home to devastating humiliation,
spat upon, emotionally wounded
by unconscionable insults,
just for serving and protecting America.
Stress from war experiences
and from this horrific homecoming
produced countless suicides,
leaving families devastated as well.

How could this happen?
What were we thinking?
Are we too ill-informed to understand
that wars are created and sustained
by politicians,
not by soldiers who do the dirty work
and die in circumstances
we don't want to know about,
don't want to think about?

We can't erase history.
We shouldn't erase our regrets.
Let our guilt forever remind us
that we must never let it happen again.
Dear God, we repent for our callousness.
How can we atone?

The Wall is a noble, impressive effort,
but it's not enough.
Let us strive to honor our brave soldiers,
our strongest and best,
those who serve us in ways
we could never do ourselves.
Let us thank them for their service
at every opportunity
now and always.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

By Joanna Fuchs