Traveling Vietnam War memorial stops in area Published June 5, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Megan Friedl 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- From June 4 to 7, the American Veterans Traveling Vietnam Wall made a stop at the Eternal Flame Park in St. Louis. Family and friends of Vietnam War fallen veterans were able to view the wall to remember their loved ones. Tom Irwin, Master of Ceremonies, said, "We have to remember them because they did an extraordinary service for our country." Irwin said during the Vietnam era many veterans returned to America to find citizens did not show appreciation or value their service. He wants to ensure servicemembers who were lost are given the proper respect, and that we also respect and appreciate those who are still living. The Vietnam Wall contains all of the 58,272 names of veterans who died during the Vietnam War. Many family, friends and veterans came to St. Louis to find the name of their specific loved ones on the Traveling Vietnam Wall. Master Sgt. Kris Rasley, Air Mobility Command Headquarters, volunteered along with 14 other Scott Air Force Base Airmen to assemble the wall. Rasley has a very personal reason to ensure the wall was brought to the local area and put together for the public to view. Before Rasley's mother met his father, she was married to Capt. Eugene McKinney, who served in the military as an F-4 Phantom pilot. He died during the Vietnam War. Later, his mother was remarried to his father, Charles Rasley, who served 40 years in the active duty military and civil service. Both are reasons why Rasley decided to join the military, and why he has such a sense of pride and honor toward veterans. "Veterans leave behind a legacy," said Rasley. "Every American should realize that these individuals [on the wall] gave the ultimate sacrifice for us." A bell sounded and a moment of silence was observed for each resident of St. Louis who died serving in the Vietnam War. An inscription on the Traveling Vietnam Wall reads, "Freedom is not free. You will never be forgotten." Michael Jahns, Vietnam War Veteran said, "It's important to remember what was done in the name of freedom. Future generations should know what was done."