THE WALL OF FACES

I remember your funeral like it was yesterday. I remember your folks hurting so much. The war was suddenly real to me. It would be 3 years but I followed your path to the Marine Corps and Vietnam. I'm sorry i didn't get enough payback for you.

Semper Fi!

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932

I served with Gary in Golf Co. 2ndBn 5th Marines. He was the radioman for the platoon commander of the 2nd platoon, Lt. Gary Griggs. He was a fun loving, very friendly guy with a good sense of humor, much like Lt. Griggs. They made a good team. Those of us who knew him, including Lt. Griggs, took his death very hard. Rest in peace brother. Semper Fi

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Gary Ames Miller, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you LCPL G.A. Miller, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND