Though smaller in statue, our city's healing wall is profoundly impactful as a site for prayer, perhaps emotional healing and education. The reflective black aluminum panels were constructed in Texas, and it is common to find photographs, handwritten poetry, and flowers placed beneath. It's important for veterans to step up and not just on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but even during the year to periodically come by
0:27and and check on the monuments because this is our legacy. It's a it's these are the 58,000 heroes that we had in our war. Washing pollen, construction dust, and bird droppings from the wall is an annual shared task among veterans groups and volunteers. Although we remember them all year long cuz the monuments there during Memorial Day week, we come out here and we can honor them handson
0:57by keeping their place clean. Names are chronologically arranged by date of casualty, then in alphabetical order.
1:05Names continue to be added as remains of missing in action are unearthed, DNA obtained, and finally identified. It honors all of these people whose names are on this wall to take the time out for the hour or two to get your hands dirty to wash it honors them. Paige La Liberty earned the rank of cadet lieutenant in Dery NJOTC. Her service to country begins shortly after June 6th, the date of
1:34graduation. I feel like I've always been surrounded um by amazing people who serve. So, I feel like they've had a really great influence on me to join.
1:42I'll be leaving for boot camp uh September 3rd on mom's birthday. Um and I'll be heading to Fort Leonardwood and um serving in the Army National Guard.
1:50Cadet Lieutenant La Liberty's family may find comfort knowing generations prior will offer support. For a Vietnam Veteran of America, our national motto is never again will one generation of veterans abandon another. And so when the World War II and the Korean veterans were no longer with us, it was our generation who stepped up. And when the Desert Storm and and the rest of the
2:11veterans came, we were on the tarmac. We welcomed them home. We made sure that they knew their service matters. The wall measures 360 ft in length and is maintained in perpetuity by a trust fund. When your name is no longer said, you are forgotten. So I've always asked people coming to the wall, if they could touch a name on the wall and read it out loud, that veteran, it will always be
2:34remembered, whether they know them or not.