Feature Story

Reading of the Names

Boeing

Framed photos of a service member who served in Vietnam is one of many reminders placed at the base of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Commemorative hats and varied military uniforms adorned the grassy area at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Over four days, volunteers read each of the 58,282 names inscribed on The Wall to commemorate its 30th Anniversary. Names were read on most days for more than 19 hours. Nearly 80 Boeing employees participated in the reading. It was a moving tribute. Several friends and family members of lost loved ones gathered to read names. As volunteers read the names, large groups of students and veterans interacted with the wall by quietly looking and reading many of the mementos left by other visitors.

Watch the video to hear the moving stories of five Boeing employees and their connection to the wall. Employees Dewey Mauldin, Steve Bachmann, David Gaskins, Sharon Bernhardt, and Johnny Herrmann share their perspectives on participating in the ceremony and why it was so important.

Last Updated: November 12, 2012 | Comments (0)