On my first "Run for The Wall" in 1998, I was prepared to find and honor two childhood friends whose names are carved in it. I wasn't prepared for the wave of emotion that swept over me seeing other people reminiscing and honoring their friends. I make the Run every few years, and still cannot prepare myself for the emotions it brings.
My first attemt to see THE WALL was in Houston Texas about 10 or 12 yrs ago they brought a minature replica to Herman Park. I went after work and as I approached it I started getting emotional immediately. There were a lot of people there and a whole lot of emotion going on with people crying and touching the wall and the like. I never got more than 50 yds from it and was crying like a baby watching the families crying and touching the wall. I just couldn't bring my self to approach the wall close enough to touch it. It was amazing, I'm not usually that emotional.
Then about 5 yrs ago my wife and I were in DC and went to THE WALL. I did better there but still had tears in my eyes. I used the book they have there to find the names of the 5 classmates of mine that died there. I found each of them.....Said a prayer for each of them. THE WALL is a VERY emotional place to visit.