What will be our Vietnam Wall Memorial for OIF/OEF?

Have you seen the hanging dog tags memorial? &nbsp;It's pretty awesome.<div><br></div>

<p>I haven't seen anything in the works for OIF/OEF yet but it is definitely coming.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I've visited all of the memorials in DC mutliple times and I am always struck by what the design and execution of each says about the conflict and the general populations views.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>World War I Memorial - only for DC area WW I vets and, up until only a couple of years ago, abandoned and forgotten in a corner of the Mall.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>World War II Memorial - big, loud, and ostentatious . . . it screams "We kicked a**!"</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Korean War Memorial - a little bit somber bur forceful . . . it says "we did something important and necessary but it wasn't easy."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Vietnam Wall - heart wrenching . . . "we failed in our objective but it was not through any fault of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>OIF/EOF Memorial?&nbsp; I think it is still too soon to tell.&nbsp; The public has been overwhelmingly supportive of the soldier/marine/sailor/airmen while often being very critical of the government for our involvelment.&nbsp; It will be interesting to see what the final product says about 'our war'.&nbsp;</p>

There should be two memorials but they should be co-located. I think they should also be in D.C. &nbsp;Not sure what it should be but I'd leave the wall for Vietnam and come up with something else.&nbsp;

I think the problem with calling in a GWOT memorial is I dont think that war will ever end.

No it should NEVER BE COMBINED...
2 wars 2 DIFFERENT AMERICAN HOMECOMING RESPONSES...
VIETNAM VETERANS WERE TREATED LIKE THEY DIDN'T BELONG HERE..
OEF... BIG ASS PARADE...
TOO MUCH DIFFERENCE TO BE COMBINED..

This week the 101st placed a donated combat boot for every service member, regardless of service or unit killed since September 11th on the lawn of division headquarters in the dated order of ultimate sacrifice. I went through the formation of more than 8000 boots and found many aviator friends who I personally served next to who sacrificed. I gave each of them a few moments of my time and prayer and after a couple of hours was able to leave with fond memories of each of them.

This Saturday at Fort Campbell, beginning at 0830, there will be a 5k walk/run where all 8000 plus boots are repositioned along the entire route of the run to honor and memorialize these fine Americans. It is temporary, but a huge service of honor these folks have put on. Each boot has a flag, photo, name, service and date of sacrifice and location. Some have been visited and left with writings on the boots and gifts. An amazing feat.

I feel that they should be separated. Each memorial reminds us of the many differences in each action. All those who served should be acknowledged for their duty in a way unique to that war.

I believe that our fallen should be recognized and memorialized in public places. If combined, then there should be separate sections representing different conflicts.

MY two cents as a Vietnam Era vet. In a very real sense OIF/OEF are not over. Combat forces are still in theater, still fighting. Even when they finally all come home, the conflict that are a part of is likely to remain very much ongoing. Regardless, it will take some years before we have the proper perspective. None of the newer ones were established quickly. Korea was authorized in 1986 with ground broken in 1992. WWII was not opened until 2004, and Vietnam a relatively short 17 years opening in 1982.

Having visited the wall in Washington does in fact feel like it's hallowed ground, very emotional seeing Brothers name's, those know, and unknown is difficult, so I reflect on the times of cursing, and laughing. Since that time I've been blessed with two magnificent children, however since they are both special needs children, the possibility of seeing the Vietnam Memorial in DC is a long shot at best, so the traveling Wall provides the opportunity to have them see the names of those who gave their final full measure, and this is my way of sharing their lives, and not just a name on a Wall. Simply my opinion.