THE WALL OF FACES

Sgt Richard Akel is buried at Southern Memorial Park in North Miami, Florida.

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 never die...

My name is Richard L. (Livingston) Akel and I was drafted into the NZ Army in 1968 at approximately the time Richard L. (Louis) Akel made the ultimate sacrifice. I have been to the Vietnam Vets Memorial in Washington, D.C., and seen your name. Although I never knew you, I am sure we must be related with the same last name "Akel." Seeing your name made me think a lot about all the life I have enjoyed since being discharged from the NZ Army, which was so prematurely and suddenly and tragically taken away from you when you were serving in the US Amry. When I saw your name I thought to myself: "There but for the grace of God go I," because in 1968 my comrades and I were all concerned that we would be sent to Vietnam, but we never were. I am not a religious person but when I think of you, I remember what Jesus said: “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Richard Akel

Non-military photos of Richie were graciously provided by his sister, Kathleen. Dreams and goals were cut short in his ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. But the love and remembrance of him is endless....

Richard I had just arrived in c company a week before you were Kia and met you once. I didn’t know you but I think about all of our brothers from our company that did not get to come home as I did.
You will always be remembered.