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.

As long as you are remembered you will never truly die....

Corporal Tyrone Wagner Austin, Served with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

This is so weird, but last year my class went on a field trip to Washington DC. When we went by the wall I wanted to remember someone's name, and I saw yours. It's been over a year and I still just say your name and thank you for your service at random times .

DEAR CORPORAL AUSTIN,
THANKS FOR BEING A MACHINE GUNNER. SEMPER FI. WE ARE CELEBRATING COLUMBUS DAY, AND THE DISCOVERY THAT LED TO US BEING IN AMERICA. THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING AMERICA. REST IN PEACE.

Tyrone I remember the talk we had while we were sitting in our foxhole on the night before you died. We discussed our hopes and dreams for our families and for our own future. All of us knew that the next day would be difficult. Our conversation helped me to take my mind off that for awhile. I don't know why I survived and you did not. Part of a corpsman's job was to identify and tag the body bags of those who did not survive. I will never forget finding you. You gave your life defending your fellow marines. Guys were talking about how you kept firing your machine gun until you were killed. No telling how many lives you saved. You Sir are a true American hero. I am proud to have known you.