I went to my last visit to my local Clinic, until my regular six month check up next month. And they built this little wall on the side of the front entrance. It started with just a couple patches...and over the years...it has been transformed into what you see in the picture.
I always stop and look at it. See what else has been added. In front of it, they put a small table, set for dinner, that is dedicated to both MIA, and didn't come home. So that when they finally get back, they have dinner, with candles for us to say: "Thank you." And that tugs at my heart every single time.
One time I was standing looking at the Wall. A Lady was pushing what turned out to be her Dad- along in a wheel chair. She looked at the Wall and then in a surprised voice she said:
"Dad! Look, your Unit Patch is up there!"
She turned the chair and when he saw his patch- his face lit up.
"I wonder who put it up?"
"Must have been somebody who served in your Unit."
He smiled again. Saluted the Wall, and said:
"Well, Brother, proud to have served with you."
And they walked away. I know that made his day.
It sure made mine. Because of my checkered career, I served in six of those Unit Patches. Loved them all.