THE WALL OF FACES

The Visser Family Honors Richie today, he is not forgotten!

Corporal Richard Michael Forte, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Another year, now 54, since you gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Forever remembered, loved and so proud of my hero.

I was home on leave in April 1970, on my way to Vietnam. I wore my Marine Corps uniform to your funeral and people looked at me like I was nuts. I remember his mother crying and I had to get up and walk outside. This is the 3rd message I have posted to this site, this morning. Some days are Vietnam days and I remember a lot of people who did not come home. You, Richie, were kinda edgy in school and I think that carried us well when we chose to enlist. That New York swagger worked for us. Wish we could have met up after my tour. I retired from the Marines, finding my place in life was to train others for peace but also preparing for war. I can picture Karen perfectly and read her yearly birthday messages. Hope you found some solace in this little blurb. Richie was missed and a character in any class I had with him.

Rich thinking of you again this past Vet's Day. I often think how I told you and Geof that I approved of you guys going in to serve. Both of you are gone now as a result of that sacrifice. You never left Nam, Geof got through as did I but something that was there got him in the end anyway, he passed last May, cancer of the kidneys. I'm sure both of you are looking down at me laughing your asses off, that's OK, I'm in line waiting. Miss you brother, wish we had more time together. Rest easy, "Slow hand salute!"