THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Dear Cpl Kenneth Mac Beth, Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Cryptographic Systems Tech. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Memorial Day weekend, but like none other. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Put in Bay Ohio -July 4th Weekend. My cousin Karen and I were walking in the park when you and a friend approached us. At first we were frightened but then I saw your red hair and freckles and thought you were about 13. You were just turned 18. You met my parents and my dad gave you and your buddy a beer as you were going into the Marines. We wrote each other from 62-65 and then I never got any letters. I didn't learn of your death until early 1967 from a fellow college student from Blissfield Michigan. I was was so sad and angry. I saw you off at the Detroit Airport and we only had two minutes.

Dear CPL Kenneth Neil MacBeth, 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