The Medal of Honor Photo!

Paul R. Bernard, 3rd District

Public Relations Historian, American Legion

Lewiston

 As the sun was beginning its setting we were told by Roger Martel to brace ourselves as the Vietnam Wall Time Capsule was placed in the Veterans Park. We were in Mill 5 and just sat down to eat some spaghetti wondering what an affect the Capsule would have on us. One doesn't know. Then as we made our way to the Veterans Park the Wall was lit up by the suns setting rays. We stood speechless, staring at the most beautiful memorial picture of the complete story of the Vietnam Conflict Experience. Then Roger Martel approached the capsule and began describing the picture as if he was actually standing there at the moment. It brought chills, fears, tears, and a flash of a time gone by and a moment to "Remember, Reflect and to Heal".

As we were standing there listening to every word that Roger Martel was saying, Mr. Michael McMahon walked up with his wife Christine holding an 8x10 military photograph of Thomas J. McMahon. Tom began telling his story on why he had returned. First his desire that all the children at McMahon School would know his brothers Patriotism and Americanism.

He also wanted family, friends and all veterans and citizens to see the face of the man who sacrificed all and laid down his life for his fellow comrades and whose purple heart sits at the apex of the wall as a heart to the wall. Michael shared some of his personal memories of when he was in the Army National Guard and how he was deeply affected when he would hear reports of the percentage of medics killed.

Roger Martel graciously took the time to explain every little detail about the wall to Michael and Christine McMahon. The 8x10 Medal of Honor photograph of Thomas McMahon was the first piece of artifact left at the base of the Vietnam Wall to be placed in the time capsule after the closing ceremony on Sunday.

Former Marine Warren K. Clark, Commander of the Turner Memorial Post 111, American Legion sees his shadow reflecting on the art work of the time capsule. "Sometimes it just hits you" said Clark. Warren has been involved in the experience of the wall since early Saturday morning the 22nd. It's just what they said it would be, "A time to remember, reflect and heal". This is the greatest event in my life and I'm proud to be a part of it. Thousands of veterans will see their reflections in the next few days as they also remember, reflect and heal.

At the end of another day, one of our dedicated volunteers, Roland "nose job" LaFrance meditates on the days events as the sun sets on the top of the Vietnam Wall.