ABSTRACT
In the 13 years since its dedication, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has become the most visited monument in the capital; more than two million pilgrims are expected this year. Many who visit will leave behind something of their own: a medal, a note, combat boots with a packet of Kool-Aid inside. The items are left by every kind of visitor – friends, family, battle comrades, Girl Scouts – and for every reason – sorrow, longing, outrage at a Government they feel betrayed them. 'During the day we get tourists', Felton says. 'At night, that's when the real ones come: the jungle grunts and those guys who saw too much combat. The tradition allegedly began during the wall's construction, when the brother of a dead Navy flier tossed a Purple Heart into the wet concrete of the foundation. Felton has observed subtle changes in the collection.
