ðSMETHPORT – One of the purposes of the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Moving Wall is to promote healing.

And that is just what it did during the five days it was in
Smethport, according to members of the event’s steering committee
and members of the military.

George Tufts, a retired U.S. Marine from Smethport and Vietnam
veteran, headed the security detail and as, non-commissioned
officer in charge, led the color guard and firing squads during the
numerous ceremonies. He saw the experience as very successful even
though the weather cut the numbers of visitors.

“Nevertheless, this was a heart-rending, respectful, and
interesting experience,” he said.

“I have talked to veterans from as far away as California,
Louisiana, and Canada and had World War II veterans who served
under Admiral Chester Nimitz salute me on the parade field. I have
never been hugged by so many veterans in my life.

Tufts said that the Wall reminds the public of the plight of the
52,228 listed individuals.

“Many people asked if the Wall’s stay in Smethport could be
extended, but of course, this is not possible.”

The Wall also promoted healing and educated the public, while at
the same time honored all Vietnam veterans, living and dead, he
added.

One of those healed was Tufts, himself.

“I spent 40 years being angry about the way we were treated when
we came back from Vietnam. When we came back, we were ridiculed,
harassed and not accepted by much of the public. It was mostly
anti-war factions perpetuating those feelings around the country
against the veterans.”

Shortly before the Wall was disassembled, Tufts said, “I’ll do
what I need to do to promote healing and hopefully come away with a
positive perspective. I have my own way to show respect for the
Wall and the veterans whose names are listed, and I hope what I do
will bring me healing. I need to continue on in a positive fashion
and put this all behind me.”

After walking along the Wall and saluting at numerous panels and
offering a prayer, Tufts said, “I feel much better. I took some
hits as I moved along the Wall, but a big weight has been lifted
off my shoulders.”

Gerry Ford, one of the organizers of the Ride of Pride, said, “I
am truly humbled. It was such an honor to be involved with the
motorcycle escort for the Wall. Riding with such veterans as Virgil
Daley, the 83-years-old retired Army chaplain, was one of the
highlights of my life. We had a lot of compliments about the Sons
of the American Legion ceremony on Saturday morning. We hit souls.
I’m a proud American.”

Dave Ford, commander of the American Legion, which along with
the Smethport Veterans of Foreign Wars post sponsored the visit of
the Wall, said, “This has been a complete success. If we had two
healings, it would be worth another 32 weeks of planning. It was so
overwhelming.”

Jack Rosenswie was responsible for the events and
ceremonies.

A Vietnam era veteran who served with the Army’s Special Forces,
said, “I included children in our programs, especially the closing
ceremony, to teach them what this war meant to the country. It was
a controversial war, but the sacrifices of those men and women
whose names are on the Wall were not controversial.”

Rosenswie also shared some thoughts of the pilots of the UH-1
Army helicopter that was on the grounds near the Wall on
Sunday.

“They said, ‘We have never experienced such a show of patriotism
and pride like this community gave to the Wall.'”

“Mission accomplished,” was the way Wayne Pearson, a member of
the steering committee and chairman of the marketing and media
committee, remarked about the Wall.

“What was that mission? Healing. Did that occur? Absolutely! Not
only for the veterans but for all of us.

“It also showed us that freedom is not free, and the cost paid
by the veterans whose names are on the Wall.

“It was an honor to be part of this event.”

Sonja Covert, a former U.S. Air Force nurse during the Vietnam
era and former commander of the Smethport American Legion, said,
“This week has been a truly moving event. It brought closure to
some, relief to others, and awareness of the life of a veteran to
many others.”

Covert, who headed the outreach committee, also called Hamlin
Lake the perfect setting for the Wall with the mountains and lake
in the background, and ducks and geese flying overhead.

“Smethport and the surrounding communities were very cooperative
in supporting the Moving Wall with their financial contributions,
donation of materials, and their attendance.”

Patty Witchen, chairperson of the operations committee,
commented, “These past five days we did what we need to continue to
do and that is to honor our veterans and their families for their
commitment to our freedom.”

The work of the local sponsors and their volunteers greatly
impressed Rob Roberts, the driver and caretaker of the Wall.

“These last five days have been amazing. As far as the escort,
welcoming, the number of volunteers who helped with the setup, the
site, definitely put Smethport in the top 10 sites that I’ve been
involved with over five years. You have a wonderful community. You
have a lot of heart.”

Staff Sgt. Todd Mead from Turtlepoint, who serves in the
Pennsylvania National Guard, volunteered several hours with
security detail in guarding the Wall.

“This has been the most awe-inspiring week of my life,” Mead
said. “I’ve met fantastic veterans and they have introduced me to
their friends on the wall.”

“The 58,000 (names on the wall) is not just a number when we see
what 58,000 represents. It’s been a very humbling experience.”