THE WALL OF FACES

RIP BROTHER MARINE

Rest in peace with the warriors.

Richard is buried at Tracy Public Cemetery in Tracy, CA.

Richard lived two doors down from me in Tracy Ca. We were the same age and attended the same schools together from the 7th grade to the 11th at which time I transferred to Ripon High. I too joined the Marines and had finished my training and schools when I was sent to Vietnam in June of 1967. Upon arriving we were told to go to mess hall and get something to eat. It was then that I heard someone call out my name and yes, it was Richard. If I remember correctly he was returning from incountry R&R. We ate together and then went somewhere and talked, no so much about old times but about the present. He gave me words of encouragement and said he really liked the “Bush” better then being back at base. We parted ways and I was assigned to a hill just south of the DMZ. If you look at the class photo you’ll see Roy “Vernon” Berry just two rows down. He too joined the Marines and was killed on Feb 18th, 1968. Good men, good Marines. Richard Wilson.

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. 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 sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die