NewsCut

The stories left behind

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I usually like to stop by the veterans' memorials near the Capitol on the day after Memorial Day. I stop to read all the names (yeah, every one) and see what people left behind.

As usual, the Vietnam memorial was filled with heart-tugging mementos that make me wonder about the story behind the object.

Who was Gary? And why a chocolate bar? (Update Weds 5/28 8:24 a.m. - See comments section)

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This sketch was accompanied by an Army Ranger pin from Georgia, and a padlock. Why?

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Tom is "greatly missed, forever loved" the label said...

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A simple sticker next to a name...

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In contrast to the day-after scene at the Vietnam memorial that says "we haven't forgotten...

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The scene at the Korean War memorial seems to say, "we have..."

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... with the exception of someone who knew Douglas Dustin, an 18 year old kid who died of his wounds in 1950.

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Mr. Dustin's name appeared in the middle of the large block of granite. But whoever left the picture, put it on the top so it wouldn't cover anyone else's name.

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