THE WALL OF FACES

David is buried at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek, MI. BSM/OLC PH

Soldiers are the true heroes everyone dreams about and idolizes. They defend the ones they love, and those they don’t, so people can all live safely and not worry about anything. The Wall lets us remember your name and memory. Sadly, it does not give you the justice you deserve. Because of The Wall That Heals, you will all be remembered forever for the greatness you have contributed to this country. However, the true effect and impact you have given to us all does not lie etched into The Wall, but carved in our hearts and souls.
In commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Roundtable, and on behalf of the student body of Charlotte High School, thank you then, thank you now, and thank you always for what you have given us. Thank you for giving us what you really deserved. Too many sacrificed a life of freedom, to selflessly provide each of us with a life of contentment.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Since you were 4 years older than I when we attended Calvary Baptist Church in BC, I never spoke with you much, but I always think of you whenever the Vietnam war is mentioned. I still pray for your parents and family. Looking forward to seeing you one day again in heaven.