By Wade Young, on behalf of DiBella Law
Recently I had the profound honor of volunteering at The Wall That Heals—a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C—when it came through our community.
It’s one thing to read about war in history books or see it dramatized in movies. It’s another thing to walk along 375 feet of etched names, each one representing a life lost and a family forever changed.
As the son of a U.S. Air Force veteran who knew and served with men on that wall, this wasn’t just another event. It struck deep, and I went there to honor men long gone, some of whom my father, mother and others knew.
Echoes of Voices We Can't Forget
While I volunteered at the memorial, I spoke with veterans from every path of life. Some came in tight-knit groups, wearing jackets layered with old unit patches. Others arrived quietly, clutching flowers or photographs, tracing names they recognized.
One Marine, three tours from ’67–’69, paused at a single name and shared:
“He was 19 like me. Had 60 days left on his tour when he stepped out of a chopper onto a land mine… and that was it for him.”
His voice caught, raw. You couldn’t script that kind of sorrow.
That moment reminded me why veterans often need more than just personal injury assistance; they need empathetic legal advocates. It drove home the need for veteran support beyond PTSD awareness.
For the record, this is not the first time I’ve walked that wall. I’ve helped this Wall travel before, years ago in my hometown, down in Georgia.
It was the same: a sea of faces, names too many ever to count, unending stories of loss and loyalty. The names change, the pain doesn’t.
Nightfall Communion at the Memorial
After sunset, the Wall seemed to breathe. Veterans returned in silence. Some stood alone, tracing a single name for what felt like an eternity—no words, just presence.
One volunteer from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund said quietly,
“Every time the Wall travels, this happens. In the dark, no distractions, they finally reconnect with their brothers and sisters. It’s spiritual. Sacred.”
That night, the Wall glowed in soft teal, part of a national gesture to raise awareness about PTSD. As that gentle light washed over those endless names, it felt like a promise:
“We see you. We honor your wounds—inside and out. We remember.”
Honoring Veterans with Human Connection
To every soldier who served, those still wrestling with invisible scars, and families holding their memories—we honor you and stand with you. At DiBella Law, our community involvement isn’t just talk. We provide legal guidance rooted in empathy and understanding —today, and always.
— Wade Young | Son of a Veteran | DiBella Law
