THE WALL OF FACES

The memory of Lt Col Robert Hagerman was brought back to me today. I was a member of a club called "We That Care" in high school during the Vietnam War. Bracelets were handed out with the names of men serving our country. I wore the bracelet that had this name printed on it. Lt Col Robert Hagerman and the date he was lost 11/6/67. I wore this bracelet for probably 3 years and still have it this many years later. This name and date are forever imprinted in my memory and I thought of him every day while I was wearing the bracelet. Praying that he was alive and not being tortured and hoping that by keeping him in my thoughts that he somehow knew and felt that care. Every time the war comes up in conversation I tell the story to whoever I'm talking to as I did today. I searched for the name again after a conversation and found this page. I felt the need to leave a remembrance and to thank this man and his family for their sacrifice to protect our country.

Dear Colonel Robert Warren Hagerman, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Robert is buried next to his wife Emma at Sumner Cemtery, Sumner,WA.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you , one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:
....and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From all your "Band of Nam Brothers"

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.