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 Cap Robert Swigart, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Flag Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Captain Swigart volunteered to take over command of our company, India 3/9/3, after our CO's flight date arrived. Bob Swigart formerly had been the CO of Mike Company and then more recent the S-4. He had one week remaining on his tour when he volunteered to assume command of India until a new Captain, Bill Conger, arrived at the battalion CP. We were on Operation Buffalo North of the Trace in a blocking position while Kilo Company assaulted an NVA position. The area was crawling with snipers and sadly Bob was killed shortly after joining us. We lost another India Marine, Billy Edmonds, to sniper the next day as well.

Captain Swigart volunteered to take over command of our company, India 3/9/3, after our CO's flight date arrived. Bob Swigart formerly had been the CO of Mike Company and then more recent the S-4. He had one week remaining on his tour when he volunteered to assume command of India until a new Captain, Bill Conger, arrived at the battalion CP. We were on Operation Buffalo North of the Trace in a blocking position while Kilo Company assaulted an NVA position. The area was crawling with snipers and sadly Bob was killed shortly after joining us. We lost another India Marine, Billy Edmonds, to sniper the next day as well.

He loved us so.
Every day, in a hundred ways, he told us so.
In honesty, in affection, he told us so.
He loved us so.
Every day, in a hundred ways, he showed us so.
With loyalty and bravery, he showed us so.
He was our defender, and he kept us free!
He took an oath to guard us, and fought for liberty!
He loved us so, and we should know.
For we loved him so.
Captain Swigart, you were the very essence of DUTY!...HONOR!...and COUNTRY! You had been there and done that in Vietnam! You were one brave man who did brave deeds for our America! You fought for the right without question or pause! Your name and fame are the BIRTHRIGHT of EVERY American citizen! In your youth and strength...your love and loyalty...you had given all that mortality can give to defend liberty everywhere! State College is very proud of you, Sir! You sacrificed your life so that freedom and justice may live! You had lived up to the motto of the Corps!---SEMPER FIDELIS!---and to the code of conduct and chivalry of those who guard this beloved land!...an ideal SO NOBLE that it arouses in all of us a sense of pride, and yet, of humility! I strongly and honestly believe that Avonmore's own Jill Corey, whom I admire so greatly and so immensely as one of my three top favorite songbirds of all time, the other two being Walton-on-Thames's own Julie Andrews, England'[s musical queen, and London's own Dusty Springfield, another thrush from England, would be very proud of your service to America, and the sacrifices you made to keep our country and us free! Well done, Sir! Be thou at peace. SEMPER FI!!!