Traveling tribute to the fallen comes to Oshkosh

By Aldrich M. Tan • of The Northwestern • May 2, 2008

Six years ago, Vietnam War veteran Sgt. 1st Class Steven Constine had the chance to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., but could not bring himself to visit it.

"I felt like I should have been on it," Constine, 59, Appleton said.

Constine's friend Pfc. Daryl English's name is on that wall. Constine said he served for three years in the U.S. Army Fourth Infantry Division in Vietnam. English had helped Constine fit into his new unit. The day before Christmas in 1968, English went out on patrol and was shot and killed.

Constine visited English's grave two years ago.

Then, Constine found out that an 80 percent scale replica of the wall was coming to Oshkosh at the Sunnyview Expo Center. On Thursday afternoon, he took his old dog tags out and put his veterans jacket on. With hands shaking, he carried English's name on an old, torn sheet of paper with the intent of visiting the wall that has the names of many more of his friends on it.

This is the first time that this replica has been to Oshkosh, said Don Allen, CEO of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, based in Minnesota. The wall was created in 1997 and took 18 months to build. It is 370 feet long, made out of aluminum, and has 58,253 names just like the original wall. Tributes to soldiers from other wars and the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks are also on display.

The American Legion Auxiliary Cook-Fuller Unit 70 brought the wall to Oshkosh, president Nancy Helms said. About 11 years ago, a smaller replica of the wall came to Oshkosh, she said.

The wall means a lot personally to Helms because she also has a name on the wall – her brother Marine Corps Pfc. Richard Anderson from Oshkosh. Anderson is one of the 43 Winnebago County soldiers on the wall.

It cost $9,000 to bring the wall to Oshkosh, Helms said. The funds came from the American Legion unit, donations from local businesses, brat fries, and a grant from the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.

Ruth Sanders, 57, from Oshkosh, said it was great to see the wall. Sanders made a copy of the name of her old boyfriend Marine Corps Pfc. Paul Guelig from Glenbeulah.

"It is so nice to know that we can honor what they have done for us," she said of the veterans on the wall.

Oshkosh Police Chief Scott Greuel said the Vietnam War personally touched him. Greuel said his uncle Edward Hultquist is also on the wall.

"This is a gathering of remembrance," he said. "A remembrance and reflection of the freedom given to us by those who have served their country."

Back at the wall, Constine paced back and forth in front of it. On panel number 36, Constine saw English's name etched in white.

Constine knelt down, brushed his hands across the name, and said a quiet prayer for his friend.

"As long as you remember them, they will always be alive," Constine said.

— Aldrich M. Tan: (920) 426-6663 or atan@thenorthwestern.com.