THE WALL OF FACES

Taken from the Daily Leader (Lovington, NM), June 22, 1971, courtesy of Amy Schaefer
Librarian, Southwest Collection, New Mexico State Library, Santa Fe, NM.

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

On 6 Nov 2015, the Veterans of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company, known as "Blue Stars", dedicated a Memorial Monument at Fort Rucker, Alabama honoring the service of the unit in Vietnam and especially the 36 Blue Star Fallen Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country during the period 6 Nov 1965 to 23 Aug 1972. CPT Edmond David Bilbrey was one of those heroic members of the unit until the time of his death.

The back image of the Monument may be seen at “SEE ALL PHOTOS” above.

DEAR CAPTAIN EDMOND BILBREY,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A ROTARY WING AVIATION UNIT COMMANDER (HELICOPTER PILOT) WE ARE PREPARING FOR A BLIZZARD. WE'LL HAVE THE TIME TO THINK ABOUT THOSE OF YOU WHO PUT IT ALL ON THE LINE FOR US. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS

Captain Edmond David Bilbrey, Served with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company, 223rd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade.