Published poetry writer helps local vets

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A group of local Vietnam Veterans continue to work to raise money for Vigo County’s Veteran's Memorial Monument.

For almost two months the group has been trying to raise $20,000 to move the monument closer to the Veteran's Plaza, located in front of the Vigo County courthouse.

Dr. David Hay, a published and local poetry writer says he sees inspiration in all parts of his life through world events.

Dr. Hay says he often takes trips to visit memorial sites, even traveling around the country to see many of the famous sites on U.S. soil.

"I saw men with medals on their caps leaning against a wall, their hand on a name crying,” said Dr. Hay.

The sights and sound of the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington D.C. inspired Dr. Hay to write one of his most famous poems ever.

Dr. Hay says, "I couldn't sleep that night at the hotel after what I had seen at the memorial so I got up in the middle of the night and wrote the poem The Wall.”

Once again Dr. Hay is using his work to support another memorial.

His famous poem The Wall is displayed on the Garfield High School Spirit web-page, to inspire people to donate towards a similar cause.

It's all part of an effort to move the Veterans' Memorial Monument from one side of the Vigo County courthouse to the other, uniting Vietnam War Vets with other veterans.

Dr. Hay says, "Their needing the funding to complete this and so anything that helps them out, I'm glad to be apart of it."

Dr. Hay uses his passion for history and gift with words to help out those who should never be forgotten.

Local supporters have raised $18,000 for the monument so far.

They plan to move the monument next week and continue to raise the rest of the money.
To help, donate to The Wabash Valley Community Foundation.