THE WALL OF FACES

During the current pandemic lockdown, April of 2020, in New Jersey where I live, I was tidying up some boxes of old memorabilia and came across my “MIA” bracelet which I wore as a young girl in middle school. Even though my family opposed that war, we honored the men and women who served and truly respect their service. Today the Air Force Blue Angels did a flyover above Philadelphia close by where I live, to honor first resoonders, and I thought of Darel Leetun with kind wishes to his living family far away in North Dakota.

Dear LTC Darel Leetun, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Fighter-Bomber Pilot. I am glad you were identified in 2005, that 15 anniversary just passed. 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.

I, too, wore a bracelet on which your name was inscribed....hoping that you would return home to your family. You returned home, but not in the way we all had hoped. I visited the wall today, and found your name. For the ultimate sacrifice. We thank you and your family.

I am surprised at how many people had this name on their bracelet. I did, too, and did not realize that his remains were identified and returned. Not the resolution we hope for, but glad that he is no longer missing and that his loved ones have closure.

This week has been a remembrance of the terrible Vietnam war and the brave soldiers who fought and died there. I was moved to see the honor our nations displayed for Senator McCain. I hope it was a way to pay respect not only to him but all our brave military service people.
I decided to search for the man on my POW/MIA bracelet, Maj Daryl Leetun. I wondered all these years if he came home, and now I know he is in his true home. Gone but not forgotten. To your family Major Leetun, I am deeply grateful and profoundly sorry.