THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

I went to Taft High School with Bill. I remember clearly watching him play football. I think the number on his jersey was 64. I had heard a rumor later that he had perished in Vietnam. My own Bill, was also serving in Vietnam and left in June of 1971.
I am writing a book, a collection of letters that my Bill and I wrote back and forth while he was there. I have just come upon the letter, dated November 17, 1970 where another friend from Taft High informed me of Bill's passing in Vietnam. I decided to look it up, I'd never been able to confirm that rumor. Though, after all this time I wasn't sure I would even recognize him.
After searching through many pages, sadly, he was found. I burst into tears to see that smiling face again. There was no way that I could not recognize him. All memories flooded back, the sounds of the football game, the buzz all around, and me in my red skirt, gold Suede boots and white sweater to show school spirit. Time stood still in that instant and I was transported back to Taft High.
I know it's very late, but I am so sorry about Bill. He was a great kid and I wish that I had the time to get to know him better.

Dear Sgt William Johnston, Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman. Today is your 49th anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It's almost Columbus Day. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I recall in football practice one day at Taft High School when you demonstrated your toughness by participating in a drill where I had to run headlong into you and you stood your ground and flattened me. From then on, I viewed you as invincible. When I was informed that you had been KIA in Vietnam, I could only think of your strength and vitality and how the world had lost a true warrior who would have made a real difference to so many others you would have touched had you returned from the war and been able to live a full life. I'll never forget showing my son your name on The Wall in 2002 and sharing my high school football memory of you and cried iss I touched your name as if I had lost just lost a brother.

Dear SGT William E Johnston, 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