THE WALL OF FACES

The summer of 1984 I was 9 years old. We lived in San Jose, CA and the traveling Vietnam Veterans traveling memorial came to town. My dad took us all to see it. During the ride over we sat silent in the car as my dad prepared himself to see it.

Dad explained briefly that this was a memorial for soldiers and that we were not to goof around and to show respect and not to stare if we saw others mourning their loved ones.

It took a few minutes to find the single name in the catalogue and then dad found it on the wall. He reached his hand to it and touched the letters. Then stared at it for a very long time.

Dad opened up about the nature of the war and Larry on the way home. I actually forgot the name soon after but never forgot how my dad felt and how I felt. I made a promise that I would look him up if I ever came to DC.

Thank you Larry for your sacrifice. I didn’t know you but I am a grateful american because of you. It was an honor to see the wall and fulfill a 40 year self-promise.

ct

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

I knew Larry from boyhood. He was a few years ahead of me in school. I played basketball with him a couple of weeks before he died. He had re-upped. He will always be remembered. Thank you for your service. He was truly a nice guy. His death saddened us deeply.

Dear Sp4 Larry Young, Thank you for your service as a Still Photographic Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun, and did Daylight Saving. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Specialist Four Larry Clayton Young was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as a Still Photographic Specialist and was assigned to the 221ST SIG CO (PICTORAL), 69TH SIG BN, 160TH SIG GROUP, 1ST SIGNAL BDE.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/dy/YoungLC01a.htm