THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear Sp4 Cary Miller, Thank you for your service as a Chemical Equipment Repairer. I researched you on your 51st anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Columbus Day Weekend. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

October 6, 2009 Cary L. Miller

Forty years ago today, a man named Cary Miller lost his life. SP4 Cary Miller of an Army reconnaissance platoon was killed by artillery fire in Vietnam on October 6th, 1969. He hailed from Richmond, Indiana and was an all-around swell guy from what I hear. He was an avid sports player and auto enthusiast, a cut up and prankster.

I had the pleasure on Saturday of joining my relative's and his fellow soldiers from Vietnam and my family in honoring Cary with a memorial service at his grave, and also the memorial park in Richmond. It was a touching ceremony, and Richmond's Mayor even gave an address. “Today in Richmond it's Cary Miller Day in honor of him.”

I've been carrying the name Cary Miller for 23 years now, longer than he did actually. He was 21 years old when he was killed. Over the years I've been ridiculed, made fun of, and chastised because of my name. There aren't many guys named Cary any more. It caught on as a girl's name and the rest is history. He was named after Cary Grant who at the time was one of the leading men in Hollywood and the definition of suave machismo. I've always known that I was never intended to be a replacement for him. He was my Dad's cousin and they were quite close even though Cary was older. My Dad told his aunt that if he had a boy he'd be named after Cary. And I was.

I'm proud of this man that I never knew. I feel as if I share some bond with him though since we have the same name. In some pictures, I even somewhat look like him. It's unique to see your own name on the Vietnam wall. It's unique to hear these war stories with your name in them, spoken by honored gentlemen who served in a conflict you've only experienced through text books, movies, television, or a string of video games.

For all the ridicule I've had over the years, I'm proud to be named after this man who served his Country and his fellow man with dignity, devotion, and love. His platoon buddies told a story of Cary the day he and another man were hit. The other man was Cary's good friend, Peter who is still living today. As the other soldiers were returning fire, one soldier stated that Cary was quite calm and collected despite being hit by an artillery round and losing an arm. All that Cary said was, "I'm ready to go, Sarge."
In all the action, they took it to mean that Cary was ready to get up and get into the fight, but what he actually meant was that he was ready to go to Heaven. A believer in Christ, Cary had a small bible that he had on his person that I now possess.

In forty years' time, the hurt for Cary's close friends and relatives is still there. But overall there is Honor and Respect for this man who now lives on as an American hero.

Thank you, Cary D Miller

From Cary L. Miller

Dear SP4 Cary Duane Miller, 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

Cary is buried at Glen Haven Cemetery, Richmond,IN. BSM ARCOM PH