THE WALL OF FACES

i went to see your grave today and you have been on my mind every since.you were my Grandfathers cousin, so that makes you my 3rd cousin. growing up i have always heard about the letter you sent to my grandfather while in war about how you didnt mind going to war so my grandfather would carry on the Bates name. so in a sense i have always wondered if you are why i exsist. if my grandfather went would he have been the one killed? my family met with a buddy that you served with a couple years ago and told us about how you died to save everbody else in your squad. i feel like i owe so much to you and yet i have never had the honor to meet you. Since you iam the 1st Bates to join the service and go to war, i look up to you so much. thank you for your sacrafice, my life, and our freedoms.

Robert is buried at Richmond Memory Gardens, Richmond, MO.

Visits on the farm...tossing firecrackers, taking walks, playing board games, watching TV and eating dinner with our parents. You were a good friend to my sister and me. I wish high school had been better. Rightly so the pride of your parents, and such a very sweet soul, we remember you.

Robert, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you for protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.

My brother's name was Robert S. (Steve) Bates as my dad's is Robert O. Steve was my big brother, confidant, protector, friend. He served in Vietnam in the Air Force. Luckily, my brother returned from Vietnam to raise a family and become an executive regarding the construction of NASA's Space Shuttles. Ten years ago at the age of 39, he died in his sleep.

I just noticed the name and know that this Robert Bates was as special to his family as my brother was to me. Just to have served in Vietnam makes them both hero's...but I'm so sorry Robert W. Bates never got to come home.