Warren veterans support 'Moving Wall' visit to Ocean State

Posted 2/1/18

To the editor: It is our duty to remember those who are willing to carry out the difficult work of keeping us free. This became even more apparent to me at the start of this school year when one of …

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Warren veterans support 'Moving Wall' visit to Ocean State

Posted

To the editor:
It is our duty to remember those who are willing to carry out the difficult work of keeping us free. This became even more apparent to me at the start of this school year when one of our classes spoke with Director Lynn Novick, who helped produce Ken Burns' newest film, “The Vietnam War”. First, it was disheartening to learn how little our students know about the Vietnam War. Simply put, we must do a better job of exposing them to the historical consequences and personal toll the war in Vietnam has had our nation. Second, it was encouraging to know they were genuinely struck by photos of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. and asked, "Mr. Stanley do you think we can go see it." I quickly responded by stating, "I'm not sure. But I bet I can bring the Wall to you."
"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for thirty plus years came to Warren thirteen years ago. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall. During that class I immediately recalled how deeply moved my students were once they experienced it for themselves. My student’s hearts were changed on the day they visited Warren, stood before the Moving Wall and spoke to combat veterans. It left an indelible mark on them. This, of course, leads me to writing this letter.
For as long as school has been around, students have asked, “When am I ever going to use this stuff in real life?” And they have a point: our typical response is to teach our material out of context and students rarely see its relevance. However, between November 1st and 5th my students at Ponaganset High School will make a personal connection to the sacrifices made by the more than 58.000 sous lost in the Vietnam War in a very real, and powerful way. Students, in collaboration with faculty and veterans, will host the Moving Wall, act as Visitor Guides and serve as historic interpreters at the Wall. They will interview Vietnam Veterans and capture the personal, intimate stories on film. This oral history will later be transcribed, indexed and then placed in an archive as a collection of primary resources that students and educators can learn from for generations to come.
At this time, I thought it was important to thank the growing list of residents from Warren who have quietly contributed to this monumental task. Once again, Warren has proven to be the smallest town with the biggest heart! I would be remiss if I did not mention the Warren Association of Vietnam Veterans, Dave McCarthy and Judy Fardig for their extraordinary help with this very special project. Thank you! To those Warrenites who wish to remain anonymous, your kindness is a testament to our veterans and military. Please know your thoughtfulness will play an integral part in helping us to better understand the Vietnam War. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone for helping us raise the necessary dollars to give the people of Rhode Island and our Vietnam Veterans this wonderful gift.
Chris Stanley
Market Street

Mr Stanley teaches high school English and is a member of the Warren Town Council.

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