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 Lcpl Jerry Wells, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman. Your 74th birthday is soon, happy birhtday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Advent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

You were very brave to go into war. Thank you for serving our country. You'll always be remembered.

Jerry and I joined the army on the buddy system, however, we were separated after AIT. He was sent to Nam and me to Pathfinder School. One of the hardest days of my life was when I stood on the beach at Cam Ranh Bay in Viet Nam where he drowned. He will always be my best buddy and is with me today.

i actually touched you on the wall in DC in ther early 80.s i finally found you my soul brother. you were the reason i went to Viet Nam(68-69)