THE WALL OF FACES

As a young girl, sitting in church, watching you go up and down the aisles shaking everyone's hands, big smile on your face, telling jokes, so handsome in your uniform. Two weeks later, you were with God. I recently lost my father, a WW II Army veteran, and although he'd never met you, he was greatly affected by news of your passing via my Mom who was a friend of your beautiful Mom's. I will meet you at the gates, Richard! (Bless you Diane, if you're reading this -- I think of you often, too!)

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

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.

Private First Class Richard Thornton Arthur, Served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam. Montani Semper Liberi !

I remember Richard, so handsome in his uniform, walking around to every pew shaking hands and greeting friends in our country church one Sunday morning in the weeks before he returned to Vietnam Nam, never to return. His beautiful Mom and sweet siblings so proud. He had the biggest smile. He will live in my memory always. My love to his sister, Dianna, and his family.