Why do I still feel so emotional?

I am a veteran of the War in Vietnam. Because I was stationed on a hospital ship, I did not see combat; I did see a lot of the results though: the normally sick, the walking wounded, the stretchers, and yes, I saw more than my share of body bags.

I was not a big supporter of that war, and came home somewhat less than proud of my service, and for many years it was not something I talked very much about. That attitude has changed now, thankfully.

Several years ago, The Moving Wall came to the area. I visited it, and was almost overcome with emotion. And just today, my sister and her husband (another Vietnam vet) texted me some pictures from the Illinois Vietnam Veterans’ memorial.

When I saw those pictures, I was surprised that after all these many years, I still get choked up at these memorials, even though I can’t think of one person I knew who did not return.

How can this strike such a deep emotional chord with me after all this time?