NAME OF CARUTHERSVILLE VIETNAM VET ADDED TO MEMORIAL

When the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., was first announced several years ago, there were quite a few raised eyebrows. How could a slab of granite with names of Vietnam casualties do justice to the sacrifices of so many?

Those who have visited the memorial or the traveling version or even have seen it on television know the power it has to bring deep emotions to the surface. Time and again, relatives, friends and total strangers have looked at the names chiseled in the stone and have been moved to tears.

How fitting it is that the memorial continues to honor those who die from war-related injuries. Such was the case recently when the name of Marine Corps Master Sgt. Herbert S. Murff of Caruthersville was added to the memorial.

Murff died 18 years ago from what has been determined to be the consequences of wounds he received in a Vietnam combat zone. The veteran's case was pushed by his daughter, Denyse Murff of Memphis.

With the addition of Murff's name, the wall now contains 58,209 names -- each a reason for a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the name of freedom. This Memorial Day, the most recent additions will be formally honored.

Thank you, Sgt. Murff, for all you did for your country.