09/23/2024
As I stood in the grass last night, I watched as complete darkness was broken by the
gentle glow of the orange lights on the Wall. I listened as the bagpiper played “Going Home,” and saw everyone as they slowly walked to the Wall, candles in hand. And then it hit me - this wall will be dismantled soon. There was only one more ceremony, one more short day, and then volunteers would come in and dismantle this incredible monument.
I spent months of planning with this phenomenal committee, not realizing the impact that this Wall would have on me - until I rode in, with over two hundred and twenty motorcycles, as the Es**rt brought in The Wall That Heals. I became overwhelmed when I saw the people lined up along the street cheering and clapping, and those absolutely adorable, incredibly enthusiastic children waving, and yelling, and jumping up and down. And then again, as we rode under our American flag strung across Main Street – THIS is what our Vietnam Veterans should have had as their homecoming.
During the almost six long days at the Wall, I was focused on helping to ensure that everything ran smoothly. But I couldn’t help but watch as our amazing volunteers stood completely engrossed in listening to a Veteran tell their story or help someone find that one name on the Wall. I watched as people were moved to tears during the ceremonies or stand rapt in attention listening to Tim or one of his amazing staff from Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund as they gave tours to hundreds of children and to the public.
There are so many people and organizations to thank for making all of this happen. I count, among them, those many, many volunteers, our sponsors, our food and monetary donors, our speakers and musicians, and Honor Guards. And I thank the Community who came together, to be such a big part of helping those who need to heal, and for helping them get just some of the gratitude that they deserve.
Lastly, I am proud to have been on this committee to bring The Wall That Heals to Manchester, and I’m proud of our Lodge of Elks and the Members from other Lodges who spent countless hours at the Wall.
"So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
Holly June Jacobs, Exalted Ruler
Manchester Elks #1893
