His illness propelled him to research the cause of the non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, join the In Memory project, and overall step out into a more proactive role involving the issues surrounding this service. I hope that the sacrifice made by these people is not forgotten. Members and leaders of the veteran community have a variety of views on the necessity of adding the plaque to the Vietnam Wall's landscape. Although In Memory ceremonies continue to take place at the Wall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund has not been quick to join the fight. Others see the significance of allowing another voice from the Vietnam era to be heard.
Memorials are controversial and are an opportunity for people to express their feelings.
They're not just to be viewed, but to educate. Still others are concerned about the underlying issues surrounding the causes of war-related illnesses as well as veteran after care and see the plaque as a mere drop in the bucket towards meeting the veteran's needs. We should be helping families and alerting those at risk. The military has the responsibility to care for those who served their duty and it's up to the survivors to make sure the government is accountable. The In Memory Project and the issue of a plaque for postwar Vietnam deaths may initiate additional research on the subject of the methods and effects of warfare, and our post war treatment of veterans in general.