THE WALL OF FACES

I sat next to Ben in freshman calculus at St. Olaf College.. He was one of those Minnesota boys who used ROTC to help pay for their college education. Little did they know what that service would entail. I salute Ben and the other members of the St. Olaf ROTC class of 1965. You did your country proud.

Today I stood at the Vietnam Memorial and looked for your name as I've done it many times through the years. I wore your name on my wrist for many years and still have the bracelet almost 50 years later. Through the years I've carried a prayer in my heart for you and your family. You've not been forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Dear Captain Danielson,
Thank you for your service as a Pilot. Tomorrow is your 75th birthday. Happy Birthday. I read you were identified in 2004. Welcome home. Today is Good Friday, and Passover begins tonight. Easter is coming up. Happy Easter. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

In 1969, I was stationed at Cam Ranh with the Red Cross. I met Ben at the beach. I was looking for a place to sit and read by myself; I rounded a corner and there was Ben - sitting on a rock, reading a book. We saw each other often at the beach; it was beautiful and peaceful. He talked so lovingly of his family. He was the straightest of straight arrows. He honored his wedding vows. He was a truly wonderful person.

Ben I was lucky enough to serve with you at the Cam Ranh Bay AB.

Some five years ago I was lucky enough to meet your son.

Two GREAT men and just want to say thank you for service.

You WON'T be forgotten.