Visitors respond emotionally to Moving Wall

Show an "amazing' level of respect

Emotional.

That was the word that seemed to be used by all those who came Saturday to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall in Jefferson City.

Among those visiting were William Bechtel and his 11-year-old son from Jamestown.

"It's very moving and I can't hardly talking about it now without tearing up," Bechtel said. "I didn't have any family involved in the war, but you can feel a sense of duty and respect for what they sacrificed for the country. I've got a lot of family who have served and it's nice to honor their memory."

"When you think of 58,000 who lost their lives, it's a lot to hear it, but to actually see all the names it really tears your heart," said Nettie Anderson, of Jefferson City. "I haven't seen the one in Washington D.C. so it was a privilege to see this one."

The moving wall was created in 1983 by Vietnam veterans who wanted to share the experience of seeing the wall with those who might not be able to travel to Washington D.C.

This is the second time the replica has visited Jefferson City, hosted by the Jefferson City Veterans Council.

Timothy Gash, of Jefferson City, who works as a paramedic/firefighter with the Lake Ozark Fire Department, is originally from St. Louis. A distant cousin, Ricky Adams, of Florissant, was killed in Vietnam and his name is on the wall.

"He was killed in 1969 at the age of 24 and served as a staff sergeant in the Army," Gash said. "His father was a bomber pilot in World War II. My father served for 24 years in the Army and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. This wall means so much to me and I'm glad it's here."

Gash said the wall reminds him of what it means to be free.

"I hold it very dear to my heart," he said. "I get really emotional when I think about it and how people take our freedom for granted. It's unbelievable. The level of respect I see here is amazing. I'm glad to see it."

Gash said he believes people need to be more respectful and remember the sacrifice made by those who served.

"I've seen articles that talked about veterans, many who are homeless which breaks my heart, and they are ridiculed and taunted and it's unconscionable," he said. "I hope I never see that myself."

More than 50,000 visitors are expected to visit.

The wall will be open to visitors on the south lawn of the State Capitol through 3 p.m. Monday when closing ceremonies will take place.

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The News Tribune this week asked for your thoughts and experiences regarding the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall's visit in Jefferson City, here are some of the responses we received:

RIP. Well done, Gary Gene Dagley, 1945-69, and Michael Lund Wilson, 1945-68, Hutchinson High School class of 1963. Forever Salt Hawks! - Paula Showalter Hinshaw

Bill Sinden served and was severely wounded and recently a few years ago passed away. Thanks, first cousin, you gave us so much. - Ruth Adkins

In response to Jeremy Amick's article about Richard Heidbreder:

That's awesome Richard, thank you for your service to our nation. Love the Superbird in the picture. - Robert Goodenough

Great story. I haven't seen Richard in over 20 years now, but I used to see him in his prized lime green challenger every Sunday at St. Paul's Lutheran church and he was always friendly. A well deserved great story on a hometown hero. Thank you Richard! - Kevin Carel

In response to Jeremy Amick's article about Dale Clark:

I knew Dale for several years prior to his enlistment. True that he was a tall, skinny freckled-face kid, and had a sweet personality. So often I pass the National Cemetery and wonder if anyone ever thinks about him and remembers him and what he gave up for our country. Thanks to Jeremy Amick for this article letting us remember our first lost to the Vietnam War. - Beverly Burlbaw

My brother (who was not from Cole County) is listed on 12W line 40. He was also 19 when he was killed in March 1970. I will think of young Mr. Clark when I visit the wall to pay tribute to my brother. - Janet Schroer

Related video:

'Taps' at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall