THE WALL OF FACES

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace SP4. Harden, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Specialist Four Larry Owen Harden, Served with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Although we didn't know it at the time, we were both in Vietnam at the same time. I arrived in July 1970 and you arrived a moth later. I was in the Air Force stationed at Tan Son Nhut air base in Saigon and you were in the Army up north at Pleiku in the Central Highlands. I didn't find out about what happened to you until a few years later. I'm now 70 years old, but you my friend will be forever young. I've visited the Wall a number of times to say hello and to honor your sacrifice. When my time is up I'll pass away quietly, but you will be honored forever in our nation's capitol. All gave some, but you gave all.

Dear Sp4 Larry Harden,
Thank you for your service as an UH-1 Helicopter Repairer. It is now Lent. The war was years ago, but we all need to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.