The
sound of gunfire resonates in the distance. Your fear and anxiety mount
as you realize the task ahead. Adrenaline surges, as does your fight
or flight response. You are the caregiver, so of course there is no
choice, you will fight. You must fight. You are responsible for caring
for someone whose life is literally in your hands. Your education and
training tell you that he needs immediate treatment. You have never seen
him before. He is a young man, maybe no more than twenty years old.
The solider is approximately the age of your nephew or maybe even closer
to the age of your neighbor's son back at home. You do not know his name
but you know what you must do. You must be a nurse.
A back story like the one above immediately comes alive when approaching the Vietnam Women's Memorial in the Nation's Capitol. The memorial's grassy and lush environment transport you to Vietnam and to the experience emulated in the bronze statues. Emotions are clearly expressed on the faces of the three female nurses and the solider portrayed in the memorial. The three nurses depicted in the memorial are appropriately named: Hope, Faith and Charity.
One nurse looks to the skies, as if in hope and anticipation of arrival of the helicopter which will bring the young solider the help so desperately needed. She rests her right hand on the arm of her nurse colleague providing care to the young solider. She validates that she is alert and focusing on all of their well-being.
One nurse tenderly provides care to the solider. She comforts him and reassures him that all will be fine. She provides the charity that he needs at this time. She is a gracious and safe harbor in the midst of a foreign and dangerous environment. She focuses all of her attention on remaining a calming presence and providing him support and attention.
One nurse kneels, as if in prayer. She holds in her left hand the helmet of the young solider. She gently holds the helmet feeling connected to this young hero and her colleagues. She sincerely asks for a means of assuring the young man's health and everyone's safety. She knows that having faith in a good outcome is necessary to get through this challenge.
This memorial is a tribute to the women who served during the Vietnam War, many of which were nurses. Sculpted in 1993 by Glenna Goodacre, the dedication to military service and acknowledgement of nursing's role during the Vietnam War are evident. You are invited to visit the Vietnam Women's Memorial and listen to the story that comes to life as you experience the hope, faith and charity that are hallmarks of the nursing profession.
The memorial is open 24 hours. Staffed daily from 8 am to midnight.
