Letters on the Wall: Offerings and Remembrances from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

by Michael Sofarelli

Since its creation in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has become the most visited National Park Services site. Each year, 4.5 million people come to the Wall. Many of them leave letters or other special objects. Every night, park rangers collect and inventory these mementos—now numbering well over 90,000—and put them into government storage. Michael Sofarelli, the son of a Vietnam War veteran, has combed through the archives searching for the most gripping letters and a mother awaiting word of her missing son, a former comrade recounting a battle story, a pair of well-worn ballet slippers, and a collection of cigars. These items are not only a tribute to the fallen soldiers; they pay tribute as well to the families and friends who waited at home and the comrades who have never forgotten their brothers. They tell the story of a war that is still being fought by many who served and a conflict that changed the lives of many Americans forever.

Genres: Military Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Mendgme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift from a friend, and it really was so thoughtful of her. Just looking at the cover brought up emotions and pride in my father (who is a Vietnam Veteran). He was not treated well by the public when he came home, and it breaks my heart to hear what was said and done to him. Honestly, I haven't made it through the entire book because of the heavy emotion, pain, and love within each page. Thank you for this book, Jacqui.