THE WALL OF FACES

54 years ago, today you died along with my brother. When memories come to me of his death, I think of you. I attached a photograph of Clive with this and was hoping those who new Bill would reach out to me. I hope the memories are not painful as they are to me but would very much like to hear from you who served prior to and on November 26, 1969.

Dear Lcpl William Merrill, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another autumn. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

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.

It was my honor to have served with LCPL William Merrill in India Company 3rd Bn 1st Marines in 1969. William was a fine young American who did everything that was asked of him by the Marine Corps.

He loved us so.
Every day, in a hundred ways, he told us so.
In honesty, in affection, he told us so.
He loved us so.
Every day, in a hundred ways, he showed us so.
With loyalty and bravery, he showed us so.
He was our defender, and he kept us free!
He took an oath to guard us, and fought for liberty!
He loved us so, and we should know.
For we loved him so.
LCPL Merrill, you were the very essence of DUTY!...HONOR!...and COUNTRY! You had been there and done that in Vietnam! You were one brave man who did brave deeds for our America! You fought for the right without question or pause! Your name and fame are the BIRTHRIGHT of EVERY American citizen! In your youth and strength...your love and loyalty...you had given all that mortality can give to defend liberty everywhere! State College is very proud of you! You sacrificed your life so that freedom and justice may live! You had lived up to the motto of the Corps!---SEMPER FIDELIS!---and to the code of conduct and chivalry of those who guard this beloved land!...an ideal SO NOBLE that it arouses in all of us a sense of pride, and yet, ,of humility! I strongly and honestly believe that Avonmore's own Jill Corey, whom I so immensely and so greatly admire as one of my three top favorite songbirds of all time, the other two being Walton-on-Thames's own Julie Andrews, England's musical queen, and London's own Dusty Springfield, another thrush from England, would be very proud of your service to America, and the sacrifices you made to keep our country and us free! Well done, Marine! Be thou at peace. SEMPEDR FI!!!