RANDOLPH – Today’s political polarization is real, but it’s not unique.

Those who remember the late 1960’s and the Vietnam War certainly know that. Such an unpopular war on the other side of the world prompted mass demonstrations throughout the country, eventually leading to the killing of four protesting college students at Kent State University by the Ohio National Guard in 1970.

American troops were withdrawn from Vietnam in 1973 and the war officially ended in 1975 when the South Vietnamese government fell to the North Vietnamese, thereby making an incursion that cost 58,000 American lives seem even more pointless.

One unfortunate consequence was that many Vietnam veterans were not given the respect afforded those who served in other wars – both before and after the one in Southeast Asia.

As the decades passed, steps have been taken to rectify that.  A Vietnam War memorial opened in Washington in 1993. It is a black granite wall listing the names of all service members killed in battle.

Not everyone makes it to D.C. so the wall comes to you, a half-size replica that is.

The so-called Moving Wall has been touring the country for about 30 years and is now on the campus of County College of Morris in Randolph. It was assembled on Thursday and will remain until Monday.

The wall exhibit was “launched” today before a crowd of veterans and local dignitaries, including state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, who was given credit for helping to bring the wall to the campus.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran, was the featured speaker.

She said she was moved when she saw the wall years ago in D.C.

“Now, I am more moved because I’m a mom. I’m a lot older.”

When reading the names on the wall, Sherrill said, “I think of people who lost their sons … of families who lost their dads.”

Then she touched on the stigma that engulfed some Vietnam vets upon returning home.

“And I think of all of our veterans who came home – many of you in our audience today  … not to the thanks of a grateful nation but rather to disdain for your service.”

She said the moving wall continues to rectify that oversight.