Mom of Fallen Marine: Vietnam Wall Visiting Calverton Helps To 'Heal'

When the on Monday, JoAnn Lyles, whose son, United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter, 19, of Sag Harbor, was killed in Iraq in 2008, was onhand to welcome the memorial.

"I feel I need to give back somehow to keep honoring my son," Lyles said Monday. "That’s why I get involved in events for veterans, trying to help create awareness for the needs of veterans and currently deployed."

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall will be on display at Calverton National Cemetery from Wednesday through Sunday and will be open for viewing 24 hours a day.

Lyles said after her son died and was welcomed home by hundreds of East End residents who turned out to honor his memory, she was buoyed by the positive outpouring of emotion. "Sag Harbor, the surrounding communities and military cared for my son, Jordan and our family so wonderfully when fallen Marine, LCpl Jordan Haerter came home for his final rest," she said.

"Many veterans within the Patriot Guard, American Legion Riders, Blue Knights, and Marine Corps League give a hug when they see me, making sure I am comforted still."

Her hope, Lyles, said, is to offer the same support to other veterans and their families. "Vietnam veterans especially need our awareness," she said. "Many suffer silently, never talking about their war. They did not come home to parades and cheers. The wall being brought to Calverton National Cemetery will help them to heal."

Calverton, Lyles added, is "a very appropriate location," with many Vietnam War veterans from Long Island laid to rest there.  Many of their family members, she said, will never have the chance to head to Washington to see the wall.

"This traveling wall enables many to share their stories, grieve and honor their brothers in arms," Lyles said.