THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from friends and fellow soldiers attest to their love and respect for you. May you rest in eternal peace.

First Lieutenant Raymond Dean Bretches, Served with Detachment A-244 (Dak To), Company B, 5th Special Forces Group, Unites States Army Vietnam.

Dear Lt. Bretches,
Thank you for your service as a Special Forces Qualified Infantry Unit Commander. Independence Day is approaching, and it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I don't miss you any less the day I heard you died. It hurts as much as it did that day, it just does not hurt as as it used to. I never pursued our dreams. It did not seem to make any sense with you not there. I moved on. I married and had children. My husband threw away all my letters from you and all the pictures of us together. I guess he felt he could not compete with a ghost. I think perhaps our dreams were too big. I will always miss you.

Ray and I were best friends in Elementary School. Our friendship continued throughout Jr. High and High School, although our paths went different ways in High School. Ray leaned toward school clubs and leadership and mine toward art and sports. We did play football together. He usually carried the ball and I led blocks for him. One of my best memories of Ray is of us at Harding Elementary School.
I lived just a 1/2 block from school and Ray lived a couple miles away. Because Ray was one of the smaller boys in class, at that time, he was often picked on by a couple of "bullies". I had stayed back in second grade so I was much bigger than these kids so they left me alone. One particular day, on the way home, these bullies decided to throw rocks and dirt clods at Ray. I remember him crying. At this, I decided to take Ray to my house to protect him. We ran into my house and watched from the window as the boys threw rocks onto my porch, but we were safe. I kinda thought that I was Ray's protector. When all was finished I walked Ray home. I've always thought it ironic that Ray, many years later, turned out to my protector. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to Protect me and the Freedoms we all enjoy.
God Bless You My Friend. In my heart you will never be forgotten!