THE WALL OF FACES

rick was my close friend growing up in bethesda md. we were tight-sandlot sports-lots of golf-pretty girls. he moved cross-country to glendale cal. in 1960. he was 16-i was 15. the next 2 summers-61 and 62 rick returned to md. the summer of 64 i visited rick in glendale. hls whole family- jim; sue, dr. and mrs. b. were great.they treated me like family.that summer and next 1965-rick and i worked and played-a lot.after work we snuck onto griffith park golf course a lot.every weekend to the beach with our girlfriends. life was good. rick joined the marines late aug. 65. rick was shot dead aug. 66 in vietnam there were lots of pretty girls at his funeral at forest lawn in glendale i would give anything to be cruising out to malibu beach in his cool 64 gto-389 cubes-hurst stivk shift- rene riding shotgun-me and susan in the back seat- beach boys blasting on the radio. maybe again-some day.

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.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Rick I just found this and could not let it go. Just a story about the time we played hooky from school to go to the 1962 LA Open together great time great memories. Later while doing a special detail in DC in 2004 “Finally” I found you. Ya buddy not forgotten!

DEAR PFC RICHARD BILLINGSLEY,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A RIFLEMAN. SEMPER FI. 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.

Left this world at a very young age to join all who have gone before us! Can't hardly wait for a great reunion when I get to where Rick has gone! Into the loving arms of Jesus.