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Run For The Wall: Remembering Vietnam On A Motorcycle Pilgrimage

Clarence Mitchell

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The legacy of the Vietnam War continues to reverberate, shaping the lives of countless individuals, families, and communities. For those who served in that conflict, the memories and experiences they carry often linger, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. For many veterans, returning to Vietnam can be a cathartic and transformative experience, an opportunity to confront the past, heal old wounds, and find closure.

Personal Pilgrimage:

In 2023, I embarked on a motorcycle pilgrimage to Vietnam, seeking to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. As a journalist and veteran, I felt a deep connection to this historical milestone and a desire to explore the impact that the conflict had on the people and the country.

Run For The Wall: Remembering Vietnam on a Motorcycle Pilgrimage

by J. Marsha Michler

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4158 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	312 pages
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Riding through History:

On my trusty motorcycle, I traversed the length and breadth of Vietnam, from the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil countryside of the Mekong Delta. Along the way, I met a diverse cast of characters, including veterans from both sides of the war, civilians who had witnessed the horrors firsthand, and young people who were grappling with the legacy of the conflict.

Confronting the Past:

Visiting war memorials, battlefields, and POW camps was an emotionally charged experience. I listened to harrowing accounts of suffering and loss, and witnessed the profound impact that the war had had on the human spirit. Yet, amidst the pain and sorrow, there was also a sense of resilience and hope.

Healing Wounds:

For many veterans, the pilgrimage provided an opportunity to revisit the places where they had fought and lost comrades. By confronting the past in this way, they were able to begin the process of healing from the emotional and psychological wounds that they had carried for decades.

Building Bridges:

The motorcycle pilgrimage also served as a bridge between veterans and their Vietnamese counterparts. Through shared stories, laughter, and tears, they found common ground and began to bridge the divides that had separated them for so long.

Hope for the Future:

The legacy of the Vietnam War is not only about the past, but also about the future. By remembering the sacrifices that were made, we can learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards building a more just and peaceful world. The young people of Vietnam, who have no direct experience of the war, are now the ones who will shape its future.

My motorcycle pilgrimage to Vietnam was a profound and transformative experience that left an enduring impact on me. I came away with a deeper understanding of the war, its legacy, and the resilience of the human spirit. By remembering the past, confronting our wounds, and building bridges of reconciliation, we can hope to create a future that is worthy of the sacrifices that have been made.

Run For The Wall: Remembering Vietnam on a Motorcycle Pilgrimage

by J. Marsha Michler

4.8 out of 5