THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from J Budgeon is poignant and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Lcpl Larry Ludwig, Thank you for your service as an Antitank Assaultman. Your 73rd birthday is in 3 days, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Sunday was Mother’s Day, but like none other. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

A very special friend of mine unwittingly opened a part of my memory that I never thought I would revisit after all these decades. So many questions I would like to ask you but you left us, like so many of your comrades, so long ago. There is but one memory of you that I still carry to this day, strolling along a beach on Lake Ontario under a very full moon. It was summer and as we walked hand in hand I remember lifting up our hands and commenting on how much darker your hand was than mine. Your hand was tanned and warm and mine was pale and cold. It felt so comforting and secure to not let go. Even now when I see couples walking hand in hand I often remember that singular moment and hope I always will. I believe that evening might have been the last time I ever saw you. I didn’t know you well but I knew you were a sweetheart of a guy with enough compassion to carry the weight of the world. If there is life after death then I must assume that you and Linda, my old friend and classmate and your fiancé, are finally reunited. May you both happily rest in peace.

Dear LCPL Larry G Ludwig, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter