Edsel Teacher’s New Book Shares Stories of Vietnam Vets

-All encouraged to visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial now on display in Dearborn

For more than twenty years students at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn have paid tribute to the 23 former Edsel students who died serving their country during the war in Vietnam. The ceremony is held each year at the school just before Memorial Day. Lisa Lark, teacher at Edsel Ford, set out to tell the story behind the names of those servicemen and all Dearborn servicemen lost in Vietnam.

Ms. Lark’s work has led to a partnership with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation (VVMF) researching and collecting photos and stories for all those from Michigan who died in the conflict. Last year Lisa was honored for her efforts and received the Hometown Heroes Award presented by HISTORY Channel and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

This November, Lisa’s on-going efforts to tell the story of these fallen heroes will again be recognized with the release of an official commemorative book to mark the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall That Heals. Sponsored by the VVMF, Ms. Lark spent two years conducting 500 interviews and collecting mementoes, including photographs, artwork, and letters from Vietnam veterans, friends and families of the men and women whose names appear on The Wall. Her book profiles the personalities, histories and courage of more than 50 of those who lost their life.

Since its inception in 1996, more than 2 million people have visited the VVMF’s traveling scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall That Heals, and for the next five days the public is invited and encouraged to visit during the memorial’s second appearance in Dearborn.

The memorial is set up on the campus of the Ford World Headquarters building located on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Free, around the clock, viewing of the memorial will take place October 25 through 8 am October 29. There will be a closing ceremony on October 28 at 6 pm.

The names on The Wall That Heals replicate the names on The Wall in Washington, D.C. and are listed alphabetically by day of casualty. A museum that tells the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in American history accompanies The Wall That Heals. Ms. Lark is also working with the VVMF and The Wall That Heals planning committee to provide educational opportunities for all, including school age children.