A Minnesota PBS Initiative
The Power of the Vietnam Wall is Real
The “Power of the Vietnam” wall cannot be underestimated.
I am a Vietnam Vet and served in the Army from 1968-1971. When I returned from Nam to California, I changed to civilian clothes so as not to draw any attention as I flew home. That feeling persisted. For many years while proud of being a Vet, I kept it quiet. If someone asked, I would talk about it, but I did not initiate telling about it.
In the mid 1980’s the “Traveling Vietnam Wall” came to our town for about a two week exhibition. My wife asked if I wanted to see it and in my usual response of inwardly protecting my Vet status, I thought “no”.
But for some reason, after a couple days I changed my mind. Some force kind of drew me to the Wall.
It was a coming out of sorts for me, freely and publicly talking about my status as a Vet. It was a watershed moment.
One night we were out for an evening walk, again my wife asked if I wanted to go, and we did. We went and we stayed a while. The “Power of the Wall” pulled me in as it has others. It brought me there that night, and every night until it was moved to another town.
Each night I read more remembrances. I stayed for the peaceful calm. It was a good place for my inner self. People left pictures, boots, uniforms, notes, stuffed animals and many other personal mementos at the base of the “Wall.” It was an emotional and moving sight to see.
For me it was even more personal. Many friends and neighbors were at the “Wall” because they too served and were in Nam. I had no idea. It was a coming out of sorts for me, freely and publicly talking about my status as a Vet. It was a watershed moment. Since then I even wear my Vietnam Vet hat once in a while. And I wear it proudly.
Wayne Dionne in Phu Bai, 1969.
But the “Power of the Wall” continues with these two stories I personally witnessed and can share with you.
One night at the Wall, I noticed a woman leaning on one of the panels forming the Wall. Her hand covering a name. It was not uncommon to see someone do this or take a tracing of a name. Yet another woman came to the the Wall, to the same panel by the first woman, only she was searching for a name.
At one point she asked the first woman if she could read the names possibly covered by her hand. The first woman removed her hand and the second woman found the name she was searching for. They talked to each other. The first woman had a POW/MIA bracelet with a name on it. It was the name she covered on the Wall. The second woman was searching for her son’s name. They were one and the same. Both women were at the Wall to remember the same soldier.
Many friends and neighbors were at the “Wall” because they too served and were in Nam. I had no idea. It was a coming out of sorts for me, freely and publicly talking about my status as a Vet. It was a watershed moment.
The “Power of the Wall” had shown again. What are the chances of the path of these two women simultaneously crossing; at the same day, same time, in the same town, searching for the same name, but then even saying something to each other recognizing they were after the same name? In my world it was an amazing coming together of fate. In another minute they may have missed each other.
Another evening the feeling around the “Wall” was usual: quiet, respectful, and peaceful. That was until a group of teenagers approached, talking loudly, joking, bordering on being rowdy. They were teenagers having fun. I was about to walk up to them and say something but for some reason I held back. One girl led the group towards the “Wall.”
She walked straight towards one of the panels of the “Wall,” and straight to a spot she knew. She pointed out a name and said to the group, “That is my Dad.”
What could I say? What could anyone say? She did not forget her Dad. She may have never even met him, or only known that he held her as an infant. I wish I had told her that her Dad was a hero and he would be proud of his beautiful daughter.
I get goosebumps every time I tell that story. I think that under slightly different circumstances, that could be my daughter pointing out my name.
So recognize the “Power of the Wall.” It is real. I felt it. I witnessed it.
Wayne Dionne in Phu Bai, 1969.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Chanhassen, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Phu Bai, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1968 - 1971
Veteran Organization: American Legion
Unit: 1st Aviation Brigade
Specialty: 93J20 Air Traffic Controller
Story Themes: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1st Aviation Brigade, American Legion, Chanhassen, Coming Home, Phu Bai, POW Bracelet, Read, Reflection, Relationships, The Vietnam Memorial, The Wall That Heals, Wayne Dionne
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