I remember the quiet stillness of the place and the visitors. We were awed in this sacred place. We felt the tremendous loss of the the families of those who died, especially those who still lay buried beneath us in their watery graves. We were overcome by the stupidity, the waste, the inhumanity of the act and the war we were part of afterwards. The ferry ride back from the monuments was totally silent as we were all deep in thought.
Did the experience affect me? Obviously, since it’s still vivid after 25 years.