From 2000: Mementos at the Wall

It is among America's most visited and most poignant sites: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. From the day it was dedicated in 1982, "The Wall" has touched people so profoundly that a remarkable tradition began: Visitors would leave behind intensely personal messages and mementos, which are carefully collected each day by a National Park Service ranger. Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports a story originally broadcast by "Sunday Morning" on May 28, 2000.
Subscribe to the "CBS Sunday Morning" Channel HERE: bit.ly/20gXwJT
Get more of "CBS Sunday Morning" HERE: cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Instagram HERE: bit.ly/23XunIh
Like "CBS Sunday Morning" on Facebook HERE: on. 1UUe0pY
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Twitter HERE: bit.ly/1RquoQb
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Google+ HERE: bit.ly/1O3jk4x
Get the latest news and best in original reporting from CBS News delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to newsletters HERE: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Get your news on the go! Download CBS News mobile apps HERE: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream local news live, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! bit.ly/1OQA29B
---
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science, Americana and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[@dorishruska3274]

Was shocked by the silence at the wall...it took your breath away. This is as emotional.

[@PacoOtis]

I was there in 1969 and am in my 80th year and this video certainly has tears in my eyes. I named my son after my flight school buddy who came back in a box and would be 72, but died when he was 20! Best of luck to all of us and thanks for the video.

[@mysticmama740]

Wow. Powerful.

[@bettinamcclendon9026]

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE💯💪🏾🙏🏾RIP From a Military Brat ARMY 🙌🏾

[@jasmin0930]

Truly an impactful monument. When you walk up to it and see the enormity of the wall and how the names just go on and on it’s staggering, sobering and so sad. Rip to all those that made the ultimate sacrifice in such a bloody war.

[@chrisa6455]

Brings tears to my eyes we will remember you always and forever

[@bobdonaldson1183]

Very very moving, several years ago i visited this wall,my experience was emotional ,great sadness,ive read many books and still reading about the war and the shameful conduct of governments over the history of Vietnam, the individual stories of some of the combatants from all of the Soldiers ,Airforce & Naval of all the countries who were involved thorough out the decades of this war ,and the aftermath.

[@terryslota2224]

my high school classmates Elmwood Park ILL........RIP 1Lt. Paul Charles Bertolozzi USMC KIA 8-2-67 Cpl. Richard Clark Abbate USMC KIA 5-18-67 i was 3rd Batt. 7th Marines ChuLai,RVN 10/65-11/66

[@Spacejunk57]

Respect and Thanks to all the brave men lost and surviving soldiers and sailors and airmen of the Viet Nam War.

[@towns316]

I’ve cleaned that wall and being there early in the morning with the mist and the sun just beginning to rise. It’s an incredible experience. God Speed.

[@daveblackburn5393]

All Vietnam veterans deserve the utmost respect. I thank all of them for there service. And all veterans from all conflicts. The veterans are our backbone protecting and serving our country

[@user-td2jw9ze2c]

Which threat vietnam posed to us?

[@sergeantmasson3669]

One of my visits to "The wall" I was reunited with 3 guys that my medevac crew were told would likely not survive. That reunion meeting made me realize that my US Army Special Forces medevac duty meant something.

[@billpardy7271]

escorted the moble wall up 2 bellingham wa on i5 was part of a large group of motorcycle riders. i had a hard time seeing i was crying as i saw people along the trip north on i 5 from mariesvile rest area 2 bellingham wa. l did it to honor all the vet past and present, my dad and myself who r vet. of different wars yet we served our country the best we could in time of need. a.d.r. sk1 a.w.pardy jr. usn ret. gulf war vet.

[@jodyburrows1253]

Umbelivable

[@choco320]

my grandpa serve

[@borisyelp5195]

Thanks LBJ for putting them there

[@YoshiYosheda]

There shouldnt even be a wall for these vets these vets should be alive right now bouncing the grand kids and great grandkids on their laps. Thanks LBJ

[@Duricas]

It's legal for the NPS to take these items and storm them/put them on display?

[@billfeist2988]

Hope to someday make the trip Recovering from agent orange cance R.i.p. Robert e. Hewitt was his squad leader 😊

[@davidfromengland7103]

I'm glad vietnam won the war 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳

[@YoshiYosheda]

Look at how many deaths they had way more than the Americans you call that winning the war?

[@patriciawickholm3617]

I don't think people should be allowed to leave these mementos at the wall. It is the same as littering.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

Your ignorance is astounding.

[@wessexfox5197]

Flowers and photos are hardly litter.

[@MrLyosea]

What a ignorant comment Patricia. How are photos, trophies and flowers considered litter?

[@YoshiYosheda]

OK Hanoi jane.