THE WALL OF FACES

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 :

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-laden bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your 2/502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne STRIKE FORCE Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Dear Florentino Ciprian Barron,
I am a sophomore at Gridley High School in Gridley, Illinois. I am posting this remembrance as part of the Gridley High School Posting Project. It is my obligation as an American, to take a few moments of my time to thank you for fighting for my country and ultimately sacrificing yourself. You gave your life so all American’s could be guaranteed freedom and opportunity. I would never be able to do what you have done. There is not the proper word that can be said to thank you and honor you as you deserve. Thank you so very much and may God be with your family and those who were close to you.
Humbly and respectfully,
Marie Shank