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 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 die....

Paul Hernandez
[email protected]
Served Together
That Last Day
I was there, when the Leutinent, said, charge back up, that mountain side. I knew my squad, didn't have to walk point, that day, but that went, out the window, at that moment. I grab a few men, since I was, a squad leader and headed up, the hill. It was hard, going, with the steep, terrain and the bullets flying. Two, guys, followed me up, each, on my right and left flank. We sprayed, the area ahead, but couldn't see, the enemy. Rounds were hitting, hard and fast. I called back, for more firepower. Willie jumped up, carrying the M-60, machine-gun, running past me, to a point, just ahead. There was an explosion, from a B-40, rocket gernade, that blasted ahead, of us. Willie was brave, as he had come up, to give assistance, because he knew, the M-60, he was in charge of, was his responsibility, to cover, the squad. I guess, that is why he thought, he had to run, a little past me, to lay, down fire. I'll always remember him, as he slumped down, after the explosion. I crawled over, to him and knew, he had gone, quickly, even as I called, for the medic. I knew, we would do all, we could for him, at that moment, but God, had been merciful and taken him home. I'll never forget, Willie's willingness, to help. Yet, I felt sadden to know, that his family, would miss him, more. That grieved me, leaving behind, a wife and two, small children. That day, will always stay, with me. It could, have been me, that day and not, Willie Gene Aldridge.
Sunday, June 25, 2000

I copied from the "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Page", I never had the honor to meet this fine young soldier but I lost my brother Sp4 Richard Friend on March 24 1968 who was also in the 101st,. I served from 1966-1968 with the 1st. Inf. divison, and feel a connection with all who served. I want to make a special thanks to Paul Hernandaz for his information, it means a lot for the family and friends to know what happened. THANK YOU PAUL...…

Sgt Robert Friend Bco. 1St.Bn. 1St, Inf. Div. 1966-68

DEAR PFC ALDRIDGE,
THANKS FOR BEING AN ARMY GRUNT.
MAY YOU REST WITH THE ANGELS.

Willie & I grew up together on McClure Rd when it was far & In between houses with large farms

Willie and I grew up together on McClure Rd when houses were far apart and lots & lots of farms.... Sadly missed :-(