THE WALL OF FACES

You lost your life just twenty eight days into mine, and because of that we never met. It changed my life in so many ways. For years I was tormented by your heroic act, returning to Vietnam a third time in place of a friend in an effort to help him in a time of need. And yet it was that act that eventually caused your death. I lost a Father who was not only serving his country, but trying to help a friend, and lost his life saving others. It was something that troubled me for years. How could I ever measure up to that? Simple, I never could.



You were a Hero. But I still resented the fact that you left me, or the promise of me, for a friend, and that you died. I could understand the need to serve, and to protect our country, but you had done this twice already. I struggled with the notion that a family in the making was not enough to keep you home and to let others fulfill the obligations they made. I still struggle to this day with the anger and hatred directed at that man who I know in the end was not at fault. But that has taken me years.



It has taken me years to understand that what you had to do, was what you DID. What was in your heart was to help and to serve others. A noble act, and deed. "No greater thing a man can to but to lay down his life for others" or so it goes. But none of this was easy to learn or accept.



If there truly is a Heaven I pray that I meet you there someday. I just hope they have Baseballs and Gloves.



With Love and Admiration,



Your Son.

Richard took my place on the boat as boat engineer that day as I was walking in my sleep from so many trips. It is something I still have nightmares over. He was the best who paid the ultimate price for us all

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Richard Henry Langford, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Sailor, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND