THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir, While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died one week after your 24th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Sergeant Michael Roy Dunn, Served with Company D, 2nd Battalion. 3rd Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Sgt Michael Dunn,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time 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.

You were 5 years older than me, and the cousin who was always bigger than life. You tolerated me tagging along with you when we visited and always made me feel like I mattered. Almost 50 years later, and not just on Memorial Day, I think of you, and cry, and remember your mannerisms and your goodness.
Everything I have, everything we all have and enjoy everyday, is solely because guys like you gave what you gave to protect what we have..

Twenty-Four Years Old

After 44 years, I still cry for you. There are no goodbyes. You’re always here, you always will be. ..reading under the tree ..Babby ‘n Cukoo…… ..playing in the snow……

Grief is so personal and individual, even among siblings there are few comparisons. We don’t talk very much, about you. You know the Irish: “Don’t be sad, keep laughing - only cry in your beer.” Makes for strange bedfellows. Maybe we should drink more beer and reminisce more about you.
..walking on Dad’s back ..escaping the bull ..your favorite T-shirt……

I think of what you’ve sacrificed, all that you’ve missed, and all the years that we’ve lost, it feels so unfair.
..running the football…… ..“there are only two nationalities……” ..your gang at Logan……

I wonder how much was bravery and how much was duty. I know you spoke with Martha and Susan before you left and Mum said you wanted to talk with me, but I chickened out. I’m very sorry for that. But thankfully we corresponded often during the six months you were away.
..Rockaway Beach... ..of human bondage…… ..parting on the subway……

Your friends did meet at the Top of the Sixes in New York City that Christmas of 1969. I was there and spoke with one of your buddies at the elevator just to be sure they all knew why you weren’t there. They did. He invited me to join them, but I declined to go up to the restaurant. It was a beautiful night in the city, the tree on Rockefeller Plaza, etc. - beautiful and so bitter-sweet.
..your letters…… ..Ridgewood…… ..top of the 6’s…… ..Vietnam Memorial……


Twenty-four years “old” - so very young.


P.S. The Red Sox finally did win the World Series, you would have loved it.