THE TENSION: Photo Essay: Veterans Day 2008 at the Vietnam Memorial

Visitors gather around the Vietnam Women's Memorial as part of the Veterans Day Observance at the Vietnam Wall today in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11, 2008. There was also a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Vietnam Women's Memorial. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

Thousands gathered at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the Veteran's Day and the 15th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, Nov. 11, 2008. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

Gold Star Mothers, who suffered the loss of a son or daughter killed while serving in the military, joined thousands at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., for a Veterans Day ceremony and the 15th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, Nov. 11, 2008. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

Thousands gathered at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., today to celebrate Veterans Day. Several organizations, including the 82nd Airborne Division Association, placed wreaths at the Wall. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

The Armed Forces Color Guard presents the services' colors and U.S. flag during the 15th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam Women's Memorial today at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

A Vietnam War veteran celebrates Veterans Day as he walks past the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11, 2008. Today also marks the 15th Anniversary Vietnam Women's Memorial opening. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

U.S. military veterans render honors at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of the 15th Anniversary Commemoration at the Vietnam Women's Memorial, Nov. 11, 2008. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

Julie Kink joins thousands of visitors at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2008. Kink's brother, David, was a helicopter pilot killed in Vietnam in 1969. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

Visitors placed flowers, cards, flags and wreaths at the Vietnam War Memorial during a Veterans Day observance ceremony in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11, 2008. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)

Army Sgt. Danielle Modglin, left, and Spc. Ricky Morris join thousands at the Vietnam War Memorial to celebrate Veteran's Day the 15th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11, 2008. Modglin and Morris were both wounded in Iraq and are recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. (U.S. Defense Department photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden.)