How do you know when you're ready to finally visit a War Memorial? Do you bring a friend or go alone?

CPL Sarah Verity — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 19:37:04 -0500

It's been 13 years since I left for OIF. I came home 11/11/06, hung up the uniform and moved on. I never bought the hat, never brought it up and everything collected dust in boxes. I ran into some of those boxes lately and knew a memorial was built in FT hood but I never went to visit. Not sure why. I think I liked to pretend it didn't happen when I was younger. Mostly because I just wanted to move on I guess. I think I should go but I'm not much for digging up the past. I just feel bad I haven't gone to "see it". Not sure what to do. Any advice would help. Like I said, it's been 12-13 years.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2018 8:23 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 20:23:28 -0500

CPL Sarah Verity Sarah, it is strictly up to you and how you feel about it. I saw the Moving Vietnam Memorial Wall about 25 or so years ago. I saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC, for the first time this past May, because I wanted to see it. If you want to take a friend, go ahead and do so.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Dec 24 at 2018 8:26 PM

SFC Marc W. — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 20:26:10 -0500

There's no right or wrong answer here. Do you feel you need some sort of closure? Is there something itching deep down that you've been able to mostly ignore this whole time? Why do you think now would be a good time, or why has this been brought to your attention now?

I left a piece of me in Afghanistan when I left, we all do. I realize that year spent there is a now a part of my history, my life; it's a portion that has molded and shaped me a little. I can't bury a year of my life, especially when I grew from it.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Dec 25 at 2018 7:17 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 07:17:28 -0500

CPL Sarah Verity It all depends on whether you want to be alone to remember or share that memory with others, so they understand what is going through your mind CPL Sarah Verity. Check out this post and always feel free to contact me or the group if you need some friends to discuss this with.

My email address: [login to see]

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Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 25 at 2018 3:09 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 15:09:33 -0500

CPL Sarah Verity if you feel ready and it would help you, find a FAT friend - faithful, accessible, and trustworthy, and go. If you aren't ready, that's ok too. You're the only one who can gauge it. Having your FAT friend is a practical matter as well as support. If you arent able to drive away, then you can have them drive. If you want to be alone at the memorial you can ask them to hang back.