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By Mary Miller
The In Memory Plaque on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial is a flat stone with the inscription: “In
memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War
and later died as a result of their service. We honor and
remember their sacrifice.”
It sits near the “Three
Servicemen” statue without
the benefit of a sign describing it. Many people, unfortunately,
stand on the plaque because it is one of the best places
to take a picture of The Wall.
This plaque honors those who
have died since returning from the Vietnam War. It pays
tribute to the many whose names are not on The Wall, but
who also died in service to their country. My husband Tom
passed away in 1993 from Agent Orange. He served three
tours in Vietnam.
VVA and AVVA have been working on steps
to make people more aware of the In Memory Plaque.
Many of
us have written letters to our members of Congress. We tell
them that no names are on the plaque, but it means a lot
to many Americans.
The National Park Service has already re-grouted
it since the plaque was dedicated in July 2004. It is showing
wear again. NPS has notified us that a special paint will
be used as needed to keep the plaque readable.
We were told
it would have lighting and a chain around it and signs to
tell everyone about what it is. We need your support. Please
write to your Congressman and Senators to insist that the
place be designated and treated with respect
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