THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PVT Wayne Stephen Murphy, 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

It's taken me a long time to find you young friend..you know how we were, always with nicknames, never knowing real names, and always promising to 'keep in touch' once we got back to the world. I went to The Wall in Washington many years ago and was so moved I couldn't even remember your name[but you taught me another lesson-Murf-] never go there without a note or name written down-I've told others the lesson-it helped. I was looking at your old picture and managed to see your name on your shirt-it lead me back to the time, to the place, to the wall, to you. Funny, I got the album out to show a Vietnamese cashier her old town of Hue [she was only 1 or 2 years old when you died], I wonder if we knew her folks?!Anyway Murf-I'm sitting in an anger group at the Vet Center & having some individual sessions to, ya see I came home and became an alcoholic at age 31-got sober-now I'm almost 50 with 18 years of continued sober AA life! I'm grateful for my life and I sure miss you and especially who we were then -it seemed simple, easy, fun, and young--oh so very young-without a care in the world except maybe were to find that 'sally j'-we did our best-we did our all-and you'll never grow old - young friend I sometime wonder which one of us got the better deal. The other lesson I'm learning-there's no big deals! And for all who know you,love you, and remember you-feel free to give 'ole Foggy' a line or a call (952)476-4910 or mail [email protected] yeah Murph-we got computers too-don't worry I still listen to the old tunes on that old reel to reel! Until next time...stay cool!
THANKS OLE - YOUNG FRIEND!

Re-visited January of 2012 - still sober! Working at the VA Medical Center here in Minneapolis, MN. Helping Heroes ~ like you ~ Everyday-Life is Great!

Rest in peace with the warriors. (Photo Credit: Berkley Fogelsonger)

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

Thanks from the children.