Operation LZ weekend in Forest City was an event of “firsts.” The first time anyone said “Thank you for your service” with tears flowing down their face. The first time I could talk about Vietnam. The first time to see my son’s name on the Vietnam wall. The first time for a 104-year-old lady to ride in a helicopter on her bucket list.

Thousands of individuals came to Forest City for Operation LZ this past weekend. School kids from the area schools came to see the wall and ask questions about Vietnam. Each of us came for a different reason, but we came. I drove in from Southaven, Mississippi, to see dear friends from high school, to meet the spouses of the ones who died overseas, to find the names of five Forest City friends on the wall to remember and to have my wife, Debbie, meet and to understand people that I loved so many years ago. We drove a golf cart for two days, many times delivering vets with loved ones hearing their thoughts about Vietnam, Operation LZ and just talking for the first time about things.

Coming to Operation LZ was a life-changing experience for thousands — knowing someone cares for them. They came as individuals but left with a sense of community, being appreciated for their service to this country.

I would like to thank the committee for all the things they planned and directed and the hundreds of individuals working on the roads directing traffic, getting the seats up, the meals, police and security team for a peaceful time. I didn’t hear of one thing that the committee had not done or planned for. Everything was done. Excellent job and thanks!

You can’t take a name off the wall, but LZ gave us a purpose to help change our feelings and lives today and for tomorrow. May we say to the soldiers on the street — in the airport  — and multiple places, “Thank you for your service to the greatest country in the world,” and, “You will never be forgotten again.”

 

Chuck Haaland

Southaven, Mississippi