. >> i came to find a friend of my dad's growing up -- they lived in the same neighborhood -- thomas protack. >> and what did you do when you found the name? >> i rubbed it with a pencil and paper. >> many leave behind flowers, photos, army items, or american flags. >> if the american flag is folded sometimes and if it's left with a note in remembrance of any particular g.i., that american flag will also be catalogued and saved in the vietnam collection, the same way as a helmet or army boots would be collected. >> so, you just saw the vietnam memorial. what did you think? >> i think it's a good thing just to sort of have for all the veterans that died and to remember them and sort of thank them. >> now there's another version of the vietnam memorial wall, one where you don't have to travel to see. it's virtual. you can find individual information on any of the 58,526 soldiers online. visitors can even share their stories by posting comments or pictures. the actual wall may be controversial, but it has left many in tears and will continue to do so. >> i think it was great. it was awesome. >>