THE WALL OF FACES

We came from a dysfunctional family. Our father was an alcoholic. We lived in different homes in the same town. We met downtown and at the beach and on some special events. It was a crazy brother relationship. He was almost 4 years older.

I have never been so angry as the afternoon and evening we learned he was killed. I was a month and a half away from following him. Before I graduated, I received a 4S draft rating and the option to not enlist. I wasn’t much of a reader, except a few comics. Then I read his letters. I still have them. It changed the direction of my life. It was only at this time did I get to know my two older sisters. Richard was my only brother. Funny man, used to turn his eyelids inside out. I’ve got a better photo on an old computer that I will post soon.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from John Destafano is moving. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

We were never the same after you left us; we needed you badly. You, and our buddy Corporal Anderson were the two best United States Marines we ever knew.

Corporal Richard William Bond, Served with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

DEAR CORPORAL BOND,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A RIFLEMAN. SEMPER FI. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. IT WAS JUST EASTER - GOD'S BLESSINGS ON YOU.