2004 Jennifer Wendland

A wedding band, such a small detail to catch my eye during my visit. To visit the memorial is a very humbling event. The walk down Memorial Lane, the dedication bricks, the memorial‘s circular design, its ramped walkways, the shrubbery, the lone tree, the statues, fallen heroes of the Vietnam War. But reflecting back upon my visit, the one item constantly jumps to mind: Why the wedding band?

The three soldiers placed solemnly in the memorial‘s circular courtyard, the tallest soldier standing, his left hand extended in an expression of care. An instinctive action for a fallen comrade, but a very revealing action - especially when you study all the hands. The nationalities, and heritages, along with their sacrifices - all for the freedoms we so enjoy. It‘s clear that Mr. Warren wanted to capture and display the emotions of these soldiers. The feelings of pain, love, friendship, empathy, fear, bravery, concern, heroism, and strength are all there. But, why the wedding band?

It‘s just a simple ring, use symbolically in marriages to represent unity and endless love. Although simple, it‘s powerful. A very small detail on the statues, but one of conscious effort. Obviously intended by the artist, as you also notice there are no other rings on the remaining fingers of the soldiers. So, why the wedding band?

Is it to remind us of this soldier‘s “family?” Our family? To remind us of why our soldiers sacrifice life and limb, to keep free this core value of family life? I think so. I think it undoubtedly reminds us that this soldier is someone‘s husband, someone‘s son, perhaps a little child‘s father. I think to remind us that these soldiers are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. A very thought-provoking detail in a magnificent work of art. And just one of the many powerful things that could capture your eye at this wonderfully beautiful memorial…quietly dedicated to our fallen heroes of the Vietnam War.