THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

It's been awhile. Finally found your Mom and talked to her decades ago. Told her you were gone. Turned out she was terrified you were alive and being tortured so telling her was a good thing even though I hated it. She hated it too but found peace you weren't suffering. India looked for you and told you put up a good fight with you 16 barking big time. That's you alright. Miss you Big Dawg. See you at the Gates Brother.

Uncle, though I never met you. Your mama never stopped talking about you. She said I was just like you. Her heart never healed from losing her "precious boy" but to say she was proud of you for fighting for your country doesn't begin to describe how she felt. Your name never stopped flowing through us. My son is named after you. And by some miracle an MIA bracelet that was lost in NY found it's way back to me. No matter what part of you left, you were always meant to come home. To see how many people have reached out to leave thank you notes has truly touched our hearts knowing that you aren't forgotten. Thank you all so very much for this dear comfort. He would be so honored. As am I.

Dear SSgt Harold Reid, Thank you for your service as an Antitank Assaultman. Glad you were identified in 1999, welcome home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Purple Heart Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

We never met. In fact I was 6 months old when he was killed. In the late 80s I came to acquire a MIA/POW bracelet with this mans name on it and I will forever remember his name and cherish this bracelet. I will also forever be thankful for his sacrifices, and the sacrifices of many. SSGT Harold E Reid you will always be remembered as long as I live... Thank you!!