THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will never die....

Private First Class Francis Loren Arb, Served with Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 9th Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

PFC Francis L. Arb was an artilleryman serving with A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 9th Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. At approximately 7:30 PM on May 27, 1967, PFC Arb was critically injured during a fire mission in Quang Ngai Province, RVN, after being hit by fragments from an artillery round which prematurely detonated. Arb suffered massive tissue injuries to his left hip and thigh and was admitted to the 2nd Surgical Hospital in Chu Lai. He succumbed to his injuries four days later. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

DEAR PFC ARB.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN ARMY FIELD ARTILLERY BASIC. ARTILLERYMEN WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY HEART. REST IN PEACE.

Francis - I can barely remember you because of my age but I do remember you at Grandpa house playing with me and carrying me around on your shoulders. A big thank you for serving in the military. I wish I would have had more opportunities to be around you. However, since I didn't, every time I go to Washington DC I make an effort to come visit you at the wall and take a make a pencil rubbing of your name and give it to mom. God Bless you and keep good care of you. Until that time we meet again. With Love -