THE WALL OF FACES

Sergeant Richard Losoya Duran, Served with the 2nd Platoon, Company D, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

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'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.

Thank you for your service in the Vietnam War. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Hopefully one day I will be able to shake your hand and thank you for your sacrifice personally when I reach Heaven as well. Until then, I hope this message reaches your courageous soul. You will be remembered. Rest with the angels, your work is done.

Dear Sgt Richard Duran,
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.

I lost several friends in Vietnam ....those I served with over there and those I grew up with in Las Cruces. Richard took me under his wings when we worked together one summer during a Youth Job Program at White Sands Missile Range, NM. Prior to this I admired Richard for his athletic ability as a football and track star. I was in Vietnam when he was killed and could not believe that the person whom I thought was "Superman" could be dead. Still to this day I honor him by visiting his grave site every time I go back home for a visit.