THE WALL OF FACES

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. 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 hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

i know he is in heaven, rabbit hunting with his dog calico.

I Miss Dale

Yes, we were cousins, but more than cousins and family close friends. I was older and we were always doing things together. We went sailing, motor cycle riding and if was fun we did it together.
I came back from my service in the Air Force and it was Dale who asked, what it was like. Looking back, I can see how much he looked up to me and how I wish now that I did not encourage his enlistment. I know that it was selfishness on my part. Because, within the year he joined the marines and within another year he was dead.
Dale took my place on the battle line. I voluntered for Viet Nam and did not go. I am just very thankful for his supreme sacrifice, especially in my behalf.
I miss Dale. I did not know how much until twenty years later when the Viet Nam War Memorial Wall came to Redding California for the first time. I was living there at the time. I thought that I would go see Dale's name. I found the location on the wall. I took my scratch papter to copy his name but when I found his name and touched the letters all I could do was ball like a baby. I could not leave the site. The tears just flowed. They were unstopable for a long, long time. I will miss Dale Robert Alcorn Jr, the emptiness is still here.
Signed W. Ray Copithorne
p.s. I hope our Heavenly Father has a place for both of us, because, yes, I am selfish and would love to see and laugh with him again.