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 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.

Lance Corporal Lester Robert Atherden was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 21, born September 6, 1944, from Milford, Connecticut. LCpl Atherden arrived in Vietnam with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On March 4, Operation UTAH was launched under the command of Task Force Delta in the Son Thinh District of Quang Ngai Province where the Marines would encounter elements of the 21st NVA Regiment. On D-day 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines conducted a helicopter assault near the Chau Ngai complex of villages and was heavily engaged with a regiment of NVA regulars near Hill 50 and Hill 35. Elements of F Company and H Company were overrun but were able to recover and consolidate to a night position near Chau Ngai 4. By the end of D-Day, 2/7 counted 94 enemy KIA and estimated 63 WIA. Friendly losses were 44 KIA and 84 WIA. An additional 20+ persons received minor wounds and were not evacuated. The next day, 5 March, the battle moved to the North and 2/7 cleaned up the battlefields from the day before, recovering the dead, and clearing out caves and bunkers. On March 4, 1966, LCpl Atherden was killed in action dying outright from enemy gunshot wounds. LCpl Atherden is interred at Saint Michael’s Cemetery, Stratford, Connecticut and is honored on the Vietnam Memorial on Panel 05E, Line 100.

Dear LCPL Lester Robert Atherden, sir.

This year, as every year, our American Flag looks majestic as it snaps to attention in the breeze, as if to return the salute of all those who have served and who are serving. Two Red, White, and Blue Memorial Day wreats, one to the left and one to the right, remain there during this very special Memorial Day holiday.

Remembering you, those you served with who didn't make it home from the Vietnam War, and all who died defending this country.

With respect, sir.

Curt Carter

Dear LCPL Lester Robert Atherden, sir.

As the American flag in our front yard flaps in the breeze, as my wife finishes the wreaths she makes for every Memorial Day, we have most of what we need to observe this Memorial Day. Yet, what we need most would be to have you and those whose names are inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall with yours to be here as well. May we never forget the cost of our freedoms, and the men and women who have and continue to step forward to keep America safe.

With respect, sir.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.