Vietnam Memorial

Re “Vietnam Vets, Loved Ones Are Moved by Moving Wall,” July 4.

The Fourth of July weekend was one full of thoughts, memories and the acknowledgment of what a great country we have. The independence for which we have so valiantly fought over the years should be jealously preserved. It is worth all our prayers and efforts to retain through the millennium for the future of our progeny.

The weekend was highlighted by parades, picnics, barbecues and, most cherished by me, the Vietnam Wall of Honor and the names of the 58,214 honored dead inscribed thereon to be remembered in all perpetuity.

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, under the direction of Larry Michaels and his staff, presented this solemn ritual with the guidance and assistance of many volunteers and armed forces associates. This letter is to express my thanks and appreciation to Pierce Brothers for the many Memorial Day programs as well as Independence Day affairs they have offered to our community and produced with great dignity and heart.

As a veteran of World War II, I was deeply touched by the ceremonial reading of all those 58,214 names and the 72 hours of devotion. Those who died in battle in Vietnam could have been my sons, daughters, relatives, neighbors and friends. For me, there was empathy, tears and memories for I, too, had weathered the storm of wounds, battles and campaigns for the freedom and independence of our great nation and for peace throughout the world.

God bless and sincerest thanks to Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks for being such a good neighbor.

JOSEPH R. SMOLARSKI, 3rd Army, 80th Infantry Division, World War II, Thousand Oaks