Among them, a consensus is building that formal recognition will extend the legendary healing quality of The Wall. Since the war ended, uncounted numbers of Americans who served their country in Vietnam have died prematurely. Typically, these losses are attributed to such cases as Agent Oranged-induced cancers and post traumatic stress. Official figures are not kept, according to the Veterans Administration and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Estimates range widely.
Feelings run deep among survivors of the unsung casualties.
Her brother died from non-Hodgkins lymphoma attributed to exposure to Agent Orange. There are many more people whose names will never be on memorials but whose lives ended prematurely after the war because of their service in Vietnam. The group's goal is to reinforce the emotional healing power of The Wall without compromising its architectural integrity. Congressional endorsement is necessary for this project. After getting permission from the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, several government commissions also must review the Memorial.