THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Franklin Mason Renshaw is buried in the Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich, CT.

Semper Fi, Marine

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

Many rides taking you home from Norwich. Our meeting at Camp Schwab, Okinawa. You had changed from our days riding to Occum. The night before you left for Vietnam, our final conversation. You identified a hero that has lived with me for many decades. The world lost a fine young man, along with too many that gave the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. I thank you Frank for defining and showing me what a hero truly is and for that special final conversation that defined a hero that you are. Semper Fidelis and Rest in Peace Marine.

Dear PFC Franklin Renshaw, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another hot summer day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Mason, I didn't make the connection until I saw the monument. It's a beautiful monument for us to remember all of you that didn't return home.
The times we had growing up in Occum, diving off the power house into the sluice... having a coke and pastry at the store.
Miss you, may God keep you close,