THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Dear Lcpl Roger Yamanaka, Thank you for your service as a Mortarman. Today is your 55th anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent 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.

I have thought of you since that unfortunate day in your life.

I had the privilege of knowing Roger in high school in Costa Mesa California. I titled this "cool guy" because he was the guy that his parents let him have Playboy magazines in his room. Over the years I have often thought of him and during my times as a politician on my visits to DC I would always go by the wall and visit. Still brings tears to my eyes thinking of him.

I had the honor of serving with Roger Yamanaka with H&S Co, 3/26 Marines. Met him while at Camp Evans when I joined the 81 mortar platoon. We shared the same sleeping quarters and worked together on occasion. I remember Roger mostly at Evans but we were in the same unit until December 67 when I was assigned to India Co and was sent to Hill 881 South while he and another 81's section remained at Khe Sanh Combat base throughout that period. I remember him as a proud and yet humble human being. I think of him often. Semper Fi Marine