Colorado XVII

More today from the many pillow stones that encircle the central memorial, Soldierstone.

As I have said before these honor the many who fought and died in Vietnam, scroll back if you missed the first few postings about these lost heroes from across the continents.

The contributions and the sacrifices of the Hmong and Lao people are well documented. Some were our allies but many were just people trying to survive caught between the major waring factions.

 

Then Lao put it this way from a little Lao song;

The gnat lives as best it can

On what nature provides

But how can a great white elephant

Be interested in a little bamboo shoot

Like me?

 

Another surprise, Moroccan Goums, mixed foot and mounted soldiers made up of tribal scouts were often used in 'Nam. They were called Tirailleurs which means "a shooting skirmisher" in French.

The end for the french, and arguably the beginning for the Americans. This says, in a oft repeated sentiment at this site, "...dying, so that honor at least may be saved..."

And finally, for today, a quote from a Vietnamese poet who was imprisoned from 1957 to 1975. He wrote many beautiful, heartfelt poems during his internment.

When dreams and wishes fall and don't come true,

they turn to stones and just sit there, stock still

they weigh so heavy on my brain, my heart

I want to shrug then off, but often can't.

Nguyen Chi Thien

And on that poetic note, I will invite you back on the 26th for more from Soldierstone and those from beyond our shores who, also, left their mark and their lives in Vietnam.

So, join me, as always, at 9:00am, once again, at Soldierstone.

To see other memorials from Colorado, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

Wisconsin VIII

While driving through Wisconsin, I came upon a most unusual site.

Many still are unaware of the Secret War fought by the U.S. and her allies during what is called the Vietnam conflict. In an effort to stem the tide of soldiers, supplies and what have you through other, neighboring countries, the U. S waged war in them. This was denied for many years and the efforts of the people of these countries is little recognized, even today.

Among the most valiant of our allies were the Lao and Hmong peoples of Laos. Thousands of these refugees came to America following the war. They settled in Wisconsin (and Minnesota) in great numbers.

Sheboygan was one of the first to welcome them and after a time it was decided to build a memorial to those who perished in this Secret War. Thousands and thousands of Hmong fighters were lost and as their population was estimated to be only around 250,000 total, these were terrible losses to the people.

The site of this beautiful and unique site is Deland Park, on the shores of the Lake Michigan in Sheboygan. It consists of a circular wall that on the inside lists the names of the members of the Secret Guerrilla Units (SGU's) and panels that tell the story of this noble effort. The outside consists of a number of mosaic panels which as far as I can tell are representative of the fine needlework that the Hmong are famous for, that tell their story in a more traditional way. The pattern in the center of the memorial was added later and is based upon these same art works.

You can see the official site for more information, here;


http://www.laohmongusmemorial.com/