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 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.

It was Veteran’s Day, November 21, 2021 at Willow River Elementary School in Hudson, Wisconsin. A ceremony took place on the stage of their auditorium. Richard Fina was a Hudson High School graduate of 1965, who gave his life in Vietnam in 1968, as a Naval Hospital Corpsman in defense of the U. S. Marines. Richard was the lone KIA casualty of Vietnam from Hudson. The teachers, students and staff were in attendance, as well as the Hudson Color Guard of the VFW 2115 Post. Most importantly, there were four members of Richard’s family there to witness the event. Students took turns reading a few pages about the life of Richard Fina. A plaque had been made and was presented by the students to the principal, teachers and staff of the school. The students made sure that everyone there knew that they were walking the same hallways as Richard Fina. You see, Willow River Elementary was not always a grade school. In the time of Richard Fina, the school was his high school. After the program, the plaque was permanently placed on the right side of the auditorium, right below the plaque that names the Hudson High School students who died in World War II.

We can never truly repay the great debt we owe our fallen heroes. May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace HN. Fina, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Fair winds, and following seas "Doc"! From a Coast Guard vet.

On the remembrance of your 74th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Doc...You did good

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Rick, you nailed this one perfectly