Sean Dengler.

I was not alive during the Vietnam War. My historical context is mostly from what I was taught in school and through culture. My first exposure to this war was through the television show “That ’70s Show.” It came in the form of a joke where Fez, the foreign exchange student, learns about the war. His friend, Donna, explains that the United States lost the war. Red, the patriarch of the show, who served in World War II and Korea, pulls Fez aside after being outraged by Donna’s comment and tells him, “We didn’t lose the war. It was a tie.”

The Vietnam War leaves a complicated note in American history. What is not complicated is honoring those who gave their lives for the country. No matter what the war was about or how it is looked back upon, those who served deserve to be honored. With the complicated aspect of the war, from my anecdotal evidence, it was tough being a soldier who fought in this war and then came home to a divided country trying to figure out what this war meant. Add this to those who had been drafted and given no choice but to serve, and those who served deserve to be honored. Those who put in time in the armed forces and devote at least part of their lives to protecting the country while being across the world from their families are truly commendable.

For those who lost their lives while serving or those close to someone who lost their life, there is no way I can describe it as I have never been in this situation. Add in the complexity of the Vietnam War, and everything gets trickier. For those looking to pay their respects, The Wall That Heals is coming to Tama County.

This three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be set up at the BGM football field in Brooklyn from July 30 through Aug. 2. This wall will be open 24 hours a day and open to the public. It honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed forces during the war and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, according to the official press release for The Wall That Heals.

In addition to The Wall, there will be a photo display highlighting area names on the wall. There will also be a display highlighting other Vietnam veterans who returned home and later passed away. The whole experience includes other exhibits highlighting the story of the Vietnam War and providing a historical and cultural context for Vietnam.

The Wall will be a valuable experience for those interested in learning more about this war and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. While I will not have the chance to make it out to The Wall, it always provides the perspective of honoring or thinking about my uncle, who served in this war.

Ron Pohlman was my godfather, and he was awarded the Soldier’s Medal on June 23, 1970, after saving several people from a burning helicopter. From what I know, he saw a lot of things during his almost one-year tour in Vietnam, and it profoundly changed him. While returning soldiers did not have the resources at that time to deal with these issues when they returned home, Ron was, unfortunately, one of many who dealt internally with what he experienced, for better or for worse. Unfortunately, he passed away 15 years ago this August due to complications from leukemia, which was caused by Agent Orange.

I was never particularly close with Ron, but he was always gracious to me. I cannot remember if it was for my confirmation at Zion Lutheran Church in Dysart or another significant event at the church, but he had no need to come to it. Ron still showed up to support his nephew, and I remember how happy my mom was that he came. Like in this instance and in Vietnam, Ron showed up and did his job.

Whether one goes or does not go, reflecting on those we know who served or are currently serving is particularly important. It provides valuable perspective. It is no easy task, and they deserve better than they can ever be repaid. Unfortunately, some do not get the chance. This is why we have The Wall to honor those who fought for the good of their country.

Sean Dengler is a writer, comedian, now-retired beginning farmer, and host of the Pandaring Talk podcast who grew up on a farm between Traer and Dysart. You can reach him at sean.h.dengler@gmail.com.