THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SP4 Richard Darrell Harrison, 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

Richard is buried at Center Point Cem, Putnam co, WV.

We had good times together and will always cherish them. You are still in my heart and you will always be.

I miss you very much and will see you again someday.

--With love

Less than one year after we graduated from Poca High School, this shy, sweet boy from Liberty, West Virginia died in Viet Nam. I was in such a state of shock that I haven't recovered from it yet. Richard was the 3rd person that I knew that had lost his life in Viet Nam. More importantly, he was the second close friend to come home in that all too familiar metal gray, flag draped casket. Little did I know that before this would be over, 3 more friends would die and I would be forever mourning a generation of lost boys. Richard touches my heart in a way that is difficult for me to explain. We met at George Washington Jr. High and continued on to Poca High School together. In Jr. High, he would run track for our team that was coached by my Dad, Harold Carr. My Dad thought the world of Richard! He was such a gentle, soft-spoken young man. I was an extrovert and in to all of the school activities so it may seem strange that this shy boy would be a favorite person of mine but he was and he is. I loved his eyes and the kindness that they emitted. There's a photo in our Jr. High year book of Richard and I doing the twist! I do remember asking him to dance with me; but the important part is that he said yes and we had fun! Richard's death had a profound affect on my life and how I would respond to the other friends that died and came home to friends that were totally unprepared for what this war was doing to our lives. Of all the boys that I personally knew and loved, Richard is the one that breaks my heart so deeply. He was this gentle young boy so far away from his home, thrust into a world of hate and sorrow. I want Richard to know that I have carried his memory like a precious gem for 34 years. I have wept and felt such sorrow that words just can't describe it. Next week, I am finally going to Washington D.C. and I will take this "Remembrance" to Richard (and my other sweet friends) to The Wall. I am filled with grief and dread at the thought of seeing their names etched on The Wall. I have been told that I will find peace and comfort once I overcome the fear and visit this place where our country honors their memories. So, Richard Harrison, I am coming to honor you as I have in my heart and mind for so many years. This time I will stand in front of your name and I will find a way to smile through my tears and know that I have done the right thing at last. Please know that you are loved and missed by this old friend. I will be there soon. Sandra Carr Neely May 19,2001 (formerly of Eleanor, West Virginia)