THE WALL OF FACES

This remembrance is way overdue. Words cannot describe how much I wish we could have met. I am turning 22 soon, and I will be graduating with honors from the University of Florida next May. You would be so proud of your daughter and how strong of a woman she is. Thank you for leaving me with such an amazing mother and grandmother, and thank you for your sacrifice. I look forward to the day we can finally meet.

Sincerely,

Your granddaughter

Dear Captain William Richar McPherson, 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

The photo associated with this remembrance shows CPT Bill McPherson and his wife Peg, at a family gathering in summer, 1965, just before his deployment to Vietnam.

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchnace, may therein comfort you.

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