THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Dear Cpl William Walsh, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. I researched you on your 74th birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart . Halloween is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear CPL William Thomas Walsh Jr, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

William is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth,IL.

I have finally been able to trace Farmer's name to this memorial. I am thankful for the opportunity to place a remembrance of him and would love to hear from others who wish to share in this memory.
As his platoon leader (known as 'LT'), it was my honor to have him in our unit. I did not know Farmer well. But I do remember that he was a hard worker, had a sense of humor and was a very reliable unit member. Of course, I remember well the exact circumstances of his death - where he was, where I was, the explosions... It was a true tragedy that should have been avoided. In those days, we were our own worst enemies. Sadly, he was the only member of my platoon to die in Vietnam.
I look back after 39 years and a lifetime of work and family and I know what Farmer missed. His death is a searing and personal reminder of what life means and the potential lost when one dies young. While Vietnam was the most defining moment of my life, Farmer remains the most indelible memory for me of that place and time.
I hope the scars of his loss have long healed for his family. My wish would be that something very good has happened to his family to balance out the pain and suffering of his death. Much time has passed and maybe the good Lord has seen fit to provide recompense.
I was lucky and returned home 5 months after his death. Just 2 years ago, my oldest and best friend from Vietnam, former Co. D Commander, Chuck Karwan, died. Time is and will continue to take its toll on all of us. While those days may seem long past, their memories are fresh and worthy of our greatest respect. God bless Farmer.