THE WALL OF FACES

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of the 68 * men whose name is chiseled into stone beneath a Gold Star at the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Second Lieutenant Henry Alverson Ledford, U.S. Marine Corps, on what would’ve been his 76th birthday – 18 October 2021.

* 68th name, for MIA 1LT Larry Lilly, added on 15 November 2018

During a "clandestine, spontaneous happening" at the CPT Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day 2020, the "Friends of Rocky Versace" remembered Second Lieutenant Henry Alverson Ledford, U.S. Marine Corps, as well as Alexandria's 67 other Vietnam War Fallen Heroes. A video of the "happening" is available for viewing at this link/URL:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/imz166z2qreygsu/Friends%20of%20Rocky%20Versace%2C%20Memorial%20Day%202020.mp4?dl=0

Henry Ledford was the older brother of my best friend, Lisa. We were eleven that year, had been friends since first grade. Henry had a warm and beautiful girlfriend, Robin, and I remember them taking Lisa and me to the movies. What a good guy, bothering with his kid sister and her awkward friend. Robin and Henry married in a military wedding at Quantico. Crossed swords, dress blues...it was magical, like a fairy tale. Henry left for Vietnam about two months later, and was killed just a few days in. His family, of course, was wrecked. My family moved away soon after, but we kept in touch, from time to time. I saw Lisa again when we were 14, and again at 19. She suffered emotional illness as she grew up, I imagine exacerbated by the profound loss of her brother and protector, Henry. I suppose it's just one more loss among so many tens of thousands. Thinking of it all, my heart is broken for them all; the soldiers--both the ones who came home, and the ones who didn't--and their loved ones.

Dear Lt Henry Ledford, Thank you for your service as a Basic Infantry Officer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Spring! For many of us, we have begun Lent. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

There is no one from Henry’s immediate family to remember him due to he had no children from his marriage. His sister never had children. His parents are now gone. As his cousin I have inherited his portrait which in a special place in my home. I have visited his grave and the Memorial. I have impressed on my daughter to always remember 2nd Lt. Ledford.
I am greatful for all the posts in his rememberance. I was about three when he made his ultimate sacrifice.