THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

1LT William Bonner is buried at South View Cemetery in Augusta, Georgia.

First Lieutenant William E. Bonner, my fellow graduate of Infantry Officer Candidate School, fellow Tactical Training Officer, U.S. Army Ranger, my room mate in a single wide trailer at a time in Columbus Georgia when it was difficult for us newly commissioned United States Army Officers to rent off base housing, a strong, good looking and devoted son, who made the ultimate sacrifice just weeks into his tour in Vietnam.

I vividly remember the look on his mother’s face when I visited her, shortly after his body was returned and his picture and his service medals, his Purple Heart displayed on the stand, her heart broken hug.

I remember the long solemn search for and then touching his name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. I wept for the first time...

On Veterans Memorial Day, my father, a World War II veteran, led my mom and me in prayer and remembrance of those who had fallen in service to their country, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, like many of my childhood buddies and high school and college classmates, and the many fellow soldiers, veterans of foreign wars, like Second Lieutenant William E. Bonner.

I came back from Vietnam alive.
Bonner did not.

To the families who understand, this is what today is all about. We remember, honor, and will never forget...

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...