People began to touch it. It was a physical, spiritual compulsion. Some touch it with their fingertips. Some lean into it with their fists. Some sweep their hands across it, as if stroking a horse's neck.
Some visitors seem to embrace it.
Maya Lin speaking about her creation of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. In Washington, we went to the Vietnam Memorial. I took Khue and Thai down to the panels where members of my squadron are listed. I pointed out a name I always visit, Jim Childers, a boy who'd died in my place when we'd switched missions during the last week of the tour. Khue seemed moved, but she remained silent.