THE WALL OF FACES

been to the wall twice. thats enough.still think of you. am 80 now. see you soon. sam arnold hamilton ohio

We were shocked that October day, 1968, when we heard that our senior year classmate Janie Alderson's older brother Tom had been killed in Vietnam. Several of us from the Letterman's Club attended the funeral in our school blazers, seated near the Alderson family, hearing the tears and sniffles, feeling so respectful of them. Later at the cemetery I heard a bugle in the background playing taps - my entire field of vision suddenly blurred and shifted to the right. It took a moment to realize it was my own eyes filling with tears. Sometimes when I see your sister, it's like I can still see the sadness in her countenance. You were much loved, sir.

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.

As long as you are remembered you will never truly die....

Thomas.......Honoring you on your birthday....Never forgotten.....God Bless

Captain Thomas Earl Alderson, Served with the 56th Dental Detachment, 56th Medical Battalion, 44th Medical Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.