THE WALL OF FACES

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 sunlight 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.

Dear WO John Souther, Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot with the 498th Medical Company. Thank you for the lives you saved. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Holy Week, and Passover is soon, too. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

John, so much to say. From ONC to Vietnam. I was on the Z when your chopper went down. It hurt then and it still hurts today. I will see you again.

Dear john i miss you so much I remember all the fun and crazy things we did God called you home it was a sad day but knowing that you’re in the arms of Jesus makes it easier The life’s you touched will always be enriched by your kind spirit and gentleness Rest In Peace my brother your always in my heart your brother sgt Mike Dresser

John Souther lived across the street from my family on Montegue Street. His father was my Scoutmaster and his brother Bruce was a friend at Canterbury Ave. Elementary School. I remember reading about John's death in the Valley News when we lived in Granada Hills. I always wanted to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall to find John's name. In 2014, my family and I went to Washington DC and I finally got the opportunity to see the wall. After finding John's name, a veteran volunteer etched John's name from the wall on a piece of paper for me. As we walked away, my wife and I started crying together. I did not expect the emotions of the moment to affect me that way and there were others nearby who were similarly moved to tears by what the wall represented. I'm not ashamed to admit that It took an hour before my eyes were dry. I'm very proud of John's sacrifice and my visit to the wall was a life changing event for me that I'll never forget.