Vietnam memorial tree growing strong

Barbara and Danny Adams place soil from Vietnam at the base of a sappling planted by veterans who visited Marked Tree last fall. (Tribune photo / Samantha Martin)

Danny and Barbara Adams of Marked Tree paused last week to remember some special Vietnam veteran friends.

The couple worked diligently last September to bring the moving Vietnam "Wall that Heals" to Marked Tree. The site was not only a great opportunity for local residents but also a place of healing and reunion for members of the Charlie and Echo Company, which consists of Vietnam veterans from the BN 5th Cav, 1st Calvary Division.

Last fall over 250 veterans from across the country visited the wall along the banks of the St. Francis River. They took part in a special candlelight vigil and laid a wreath featuring their symbol at the wall. In a touching measure, they planted a tree to leave a lasting mark. Dirt from the Republic of Vietnam was mixed in with the tree as it was planted.

"This dirt came from a place that binds us all together," said visiting veteran Richard Bratton as he planted the tree. "It was a place that made us all brothers. It's a strong bond, and hopefully this dirt will bake the tree grow big and strong."

Fellow veterans also placed their personal packets of dirt in the hole.

Danny and Barbara Adams still had one remaining packet of Vietnam soil which they placed on the base of the now thriving sapling.

"It survived the winter and is growing strong," said Danny Adams. "I read that trees like this can grow to be 10 feet around and over 100 feet tall. It's going to be a big tree."

The tree is planted near the veteran memorial on Frisco Street. Adams said they plan to send photos of the tree to their friends in the Charlie and Echo Company.