THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Ron Chase is moving. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

DEAR PFC BEAN,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. SEMPER FI. I WISH YOU DID NOT DIED SO CLOSE TO YOUR BIRTHDAY, BUT I GUESS NO TIME WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. IT IS STILL THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. IT IS NEW YEAR, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Almost a lifetime ago, I remember his laugh and smile. He wasn't my best friend but a good one. We were in high school together and on the track team. He was a good sprinter, I was less than mediocre. Only joined the team because we were buddies. Got suspended for drinking beer and smoking cigarettes on the bus after a track meet. Last see him sometime in 1966. Was in Korea in February 1968 when my mother wrote that he had died in Vietnam. Over 45 years later, I will remember him in a book that I'm writing. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Beanie. Rest in Peace.