THE WALL OF FACES

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....

SP4 Jim L. Ailstock Jr. was Construction Equipment Repairer with B Company, 69th Engineer Battalion, 34th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade. On March 26, 1968, SP4 Ailstock was at a base camp in Vinh Long Province, RVN, when he was fatally electrocuted after he accidently grabbed a grounded electric wire. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Although I did not know you, I honor your name. Although I did not know you, I honor your history. Although I did not know you, I honor your service, because without you, I would not be free. I was 7 years old when you honored your country with your life. I am now 58 years old, because you were a citizen of the Home of the Brave.

DEAR SPEC 4 AILSTOCK,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT REPAIRER. YOUR CHILDHOOD PHOTO BREAKS MY HEART,
YOU WERE BORN ON THE 2ND DAY OF CHRISTMAS.. YOU ARE THE GIFT. REST IN PEACE.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.