PHOTOGRAPHY | SANDI’S REFLECT PROMPT

The Wall That Heals

April Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Reflect”

So many names. So many sacrifices.

What a sobering moment.

I was on assignment for the newspaper. I’d learned The Wall That Heals was making its way to the community I covered.

On a bright, sunny September day, I drove to a park on a hill to view the Wall, take photos, and ask attendees questions. Unfortunately, I no longer have the story I wrote, but I remember the quietness during the visit.

People searched the Wall for those names they knew. They reached out to touch a name on the Wall, a way for them to be closer to their friend or family member. Some laid flowers and cards at the base of the Wall.

It felt intrusive snapping photos during these moments, but it was my job to capture the event, to record history.

The reflections on the black avonite wall left an impression on me. To me, they signified a connection between the living and those lost. The reflection of those standing in front of the Wall became a part of it, their visiting image encompassing the name of their loved one, like a hug.

Years later I’d go on to write a story about a young man who lost his life in Vietnam. He was from my hometown. Of the thousands of stories I wrote in my 24-year career, his touched me the most. His name is on the Wall too, but I didn’t know it then. Later, I saw his name on the tombstone when I visited his grave.

I’ll never be able to comprehend how his parents felt when they received the news their son wouldn’t be coming home. His brother told me the story. Afterward, I went home to cry. Then, I wiped my tears away and wrote his story so he wouldn’t be forgotten.

The Wall does the same. We pause and reflect there, remembering those lost.

Since its inception, the Wall has been to more than 700 communities. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund designed the Wall to allow veterans visiting to begin the process of healing.

I took the photo on September 8, 2001. Three days later, I’d cover the biggest story of my career.

Thanks for reading!