Pocono News Section

Wall that heals in Scranton

Wall that heals in Scranton - Monday, November 12, 2007 at 4:39PM EST

Monday, Nov 12, 2007 @04:39pm EST

They gave their all to their country, in a very unpopular war.

But today, people honored servicemen killed in the Vietnam War.

It is called "the wall that heals"..

A mobile version of the Vietnam wall in Washington.

And it's on display at Nay Aug park in Scranton.

More than 58 thousand servicemen and women died in Vietnam.

Nearly 31 hundred of those casualties were from here in Pennsylvania.

Right now, a traveling monument is set up in Scranton to honor those who gave their all in that war.

People lined up by the dozens, kneeled and took pictures, and paid their respects at the wall that heals here in Scranton.

Albert Gibbs of Scranton says, "i'm just proud of these veterans that are here today, more proud of those on the wall. What they gave this country, they should all be in heaven, which i know they are."

Gibbs was one of many veterans wearing uniforms, or patches signifying their service.

They wanted to see the wall in person, to pay tribute to fellow servicemen lost in Vietnam.

The Gile's traveled down from Wayne country to visit the wall.

Duane Giles Pleasant Mountain says, "it shows that we do appreciate what was done. It was not really appreciated when it was happening. But they sent us there for a reason."

Carole Giles of Pleasant Mountain says, "it's a wonderful show of respect for our military, not just Vietnam, but the entire military set up in our country. We have a lot to thank them for."

Many paid their thanks by searching for family or friends lost.

Some ran a pencil over paper, hoping to keep the memories of lost loved ones alive.

Barry Chambers of Chinchilla says, "it's a national monument. It's just something that should be held in reverence and respected, and this is what we're doing."

Behind the wall, names of the fallen were read.

Names that could be heard by those honoring servicemen that gave their all in Vietnam.

The wall will be broken down and moves to another state tomorrow.

It's making it's way through 250 cities, and is a replica of the permanent Vietnam veterans memorial in Washington D.C.