I've often wondered if I would have enlisted had it not been for the draft. I know that I didn't give a damn about that stinking little Southeast Asian country, and I don't think it was worth a single American life. Most of the guys I served with seemed to feel the same way. That being said, the acts of heroism and self-sacrifice that took place over there rival any that occurred in any "good" war this country ever fought. None of us "had a dog in that fight," except for the buddy next to us.

Bryan, outside of The Wall itself, I have seen no more moving tribute to America's Viet Nam Vets than in the oil painted by Lee Teter; titled "Vietnam Reflections." The actual print shows far more detail than any screen image will show on your PC. Actual names show on the left-most panels of The Wall in front of the grieving vet.

Google "Vietnam Reflections" + "Lee Teter" You will get many hits. Find one that allows you to zoom and enlarge the print. Or, just go to

http://www.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/pd--10087829/Vietnam_Reflections.htm , or,

http://www.allposters.com/st.asp?CID=459EECA36C4D484C9775DFE42EC35AB7&search=35522&c=c&cat=35522&startat=

Lee signed away all royalty rights. Net proceeds from the sale of "reflections" goes to VVA Chapter 172.

I have a framed copy hanging in my office. Every day, it reminds me of close friends.