THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear Sp4 John Smith, Thank you for your service as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Spring has begun, and it's Lent. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

It breaks my heart to write these words. I came upon the scene shortly after it happened. There were two guys named Smith who we called Skinny Smithy and Fat Smithy. I thought Fat Smithy had been shot. Almost cried. It still hurts to recall this.

Specialist Four John Marshall Smith, Served with Company B, 123rd Aviation Battalion, 16th Aviation Group, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear SP4 John Marshall Smith, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter