THE WALL OF FACES

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions and spends himself in a great worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end triumph of high achievement and, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while caring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

These days, seeing the anguished faces of Ukranians losing loved ones to the brutality of the Russians, I have been thinking of Byron, my only High School classmate killed in Vietnam. He was bright and witty and improved the lives of those around him. I had not seen him since high school graduation when I learned of his death. The complete randomness and the big WHY question stayed in my mind for a long time.
Thank you, Byron, for your incredible sacrifice, and I hope to see you again.
Peter Snowden, class of 1962 San Marino High School

Dear Lt Byron Speer, Thank you for your service as a Basic Infantry Officer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Easter, and Passover . Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

May this remembrance find you in the eternal Holy Kingdom of our Lord.
May we all now and forever more NEVER forget the sacrifices of this man, and the sacrifices of so many other brave Americans!

Second Lieutenant Byron Morrow Speer, Served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.