Cornette library displaying Vietnam exhibit. Photo by Alex Montoya.
Web Editor’s Note: This story was written for the MCOMM 3309 – News Editing & Reporting Class
The Cornette Library has recently introduced a new exhibit honoring those who fought in the Vietnam War. The exhibit was kicked off with a ceremony honoring Sargent Keith Rowell, who was killed in Vietnam on Aug. 25, 1968. The ceremony took place on Oct. 22, 2011 in front of the Cornette Library and continued to Silverton where a special military grave marker was placed on Sargent Rowell’s grave.
The exhibit currently on display at the library is divided into two categories, one entitled “In Memory,” and the other “Snapshots of Vietnam.” The “In Memory” section, which specifically honors the fallen men who were either WTAMU students or graduates, has a sign posted that states, “Twenty-three students and graduates lost their lives in Vietnam. This exhibit attempts to portray the fallen in human terms- as young men with hopes and dreams cut short by tragic war.” There are pictures displayed of each of the twenty-three men who lost their lives in the war.
“The second part is pictures that soldiers in the field took, collected by Larry Witthar,” Mary Jarvis, assistant director of information and library resources, said. “We look at them and it gets us to thinking.”
There are many pictures posted throughout the memorial, some of soldiers at their campsites, pictures of the people of Vietnam they interacted with, landscapes and even some of actual battle. Many of these pictures were taken by soldiers who are relatives of people who work at WTAMU. Also on display is money from Vietnam that a soldier brought home with him and a memorial poem written by the brother of a local author, Jodi Thomas.
“This is such a great way to honor those who lost their lives in Vietnam,” Robert King, a former WTAMU student who visited the exhibit, said.
“There are so many streets around campus named after the people who lost their lives in Vietnam and it really puts everything into perspective to see their faces and see pictures of what they experienced,” former WTAMU student, Keri Wood, said.
The exhibit is located on the first floor of the Cornette Library, close to the main entrance. The exhibit will be on display at least until November 11, 2011, and may possibly be displayed the rest of the fall semester.
