THE WALL OF FACES

Lance Corporal Willie Lee Freeman, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

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.

May those who served never be forgotten. We can never truly repay the great debt we owe our fallen heroes. Rest in peace LCPL. Freeman, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Semper Fidelis!
Visit the native sons lost exhibit mentioned in a previous remembrance.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

To learn more about LCPL Willie Lee Freeman, visit our digital exhibit here.

Research into the nine Milledgeville, Georgia veterans who died in the Vietnam War was undertaken during the spring 2021 semester by students in a Georgia College Communication Department course titled The Vietnam War in the Media. The 25 students in the class, divided into nine groups, with each group researching one of the nine servicemen. With the assistance of Georgia College Special Collections and Ina Dillard Russell Library faculty and staff, the student research was compiled in a digital exhibit highlighting the stories of each veteran our community lost during the Vietnam War. The exhibit also provides contextual information on the war and military mortuary practices to illuminate the official desire to honor those who have given their lives for their country.

Visit the Native Sons Lost exhibit here.