THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Captain Barry Alan Bowman, 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

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to l;ife, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

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 sun 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.

Mary Frye – 1932

My name is Paul Masson, and I live in San Francisco, about 2 miles from Barry's burial site in the Presidio cemetary. I came upon his site about 20 years ago while walking alone, thinking about the men of my era lost in Vietnam. I have placed flowers at Barry's grave every Memorial and Veterans day for the past 20 years. I will do so as long as I live.

My name is Jeremy Steffen. I am from a suburban part of central Illinois and attend Gridley High School. I am recently a junior and am in a U.S. History class. Our class was recently given the challenge to write remembrances for the fallen soldiers that died in Vietnam if they did not previously have them. Thank you for serving in our armed forces and protecting our country. God bless.