Catching up on odds and ends

It's amazing how much can pile up when you're out of town for a few days, isn't it?

Below are two brief follow-ups to past columns that deserve a little extra ink and attention.

IOWA CULTURE APP

There's good news from Iowa Arts Council spokesman Jeff Morgan regarding use and expansion of the Iowa Culture app.

I wrote about the app days after its launch at the Iowa State Fair, noting its ease of use and intuitive navigation. I was also disappointed that many of the lesser known and somewhat quirky sites I love weren't a part of the app's initial database, and I encouraged readers to submit their favorites for possible inclusion.

Morgan relayed this week that about 50 new sites have already been added to the database, and about 550 more are working their way through the state's vetting process.

So, keep those submissions coming and use the app's feedback function if you have suggestions for the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. They're happy to hear your comments.

Those unfamiliar with the app may also want read the August 'Hidden Iowa gems?” report by Gazette reporter Mitchell Schmidt. He uses the app to take a tour of several Eastern Iowa sites, including the future birthplace of Star Trek's James T. Kirk in Riverside and Indian Creek Bridge on Bertram Road in Linn County.

VIETNAM MEMORIAL

Many readers reached out to me after reading my column about visiting the National Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Although I've not been able to respond to all the phone calls and notes I've received, I've listened to or read them all. I've been especially touched by those who wanted to share memories of their own family members and friends whose names are now etched into the wall, and by the Vietnam veterans who came home, but won't ever forget.

Thank you.

For those who cannot travel to Washington, D.C., Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids has begun a three-month series on the Vietnam War's legacy. The series includes an opportunity to view the Moving Wall, which is a half-size replica of the national memorial, through Sept. 21.

My first experience with the Vietnam Memorial was courtesy of the traveling exhibit during its visit to the Hoover Presidential Library in West Branch several years ago. I did not expect that visit to be as powerful as it was.

While nothing can fully compare to what I described as the 'beautifully horrific” national monument, the Moving Wall is a close substitute.

Volunteers are typically available to help with locating specific names on The Wall, and there is also an online search form available for those who like to plan ahead.

'This year is both the 50th anniversary of the first big U.S. combat push in Vietnam, when Marines landed at Da Nang in 1965 to protect the air base there, and the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 when Saigon fell,” said Mount Mercy associate professor of communication Joe Sheller, who is coordinating the Vietnam series.

And, for those who have asked, my brother was Jimmy Lee Campbell. His name appears on the lower left side of panel 14W.

The full schedule of events for the 'Stories We Tell” Vietnam series - and there are many - can be found by visiting the university's website: mtmercy.edu/vietnam

' Comments: @LyndaIowa, (319) 339-3144, lynda.waddington@thegazette.com