THE WALL OF FACES

than that man lay down his life for a friend."

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

My mom and dad named me Michael after my dad’s first cousin Michael Louis Browning who paid the ultimate military sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

Michael is buried or memorialized at Spokane Memorial Gardens in Spokane, Washington. Michael is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. Michael is also honored at the Vietnam Memorial at Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington.

My oldest son Patrick (who is currently a Sergeant E5 in the Washington National Guard) and I (also a veteran) recently visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. I read Michael’s Silver Star Citation out loud, at night, and in front of Michael’s panel on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I was in tears while I read his Silver Star Citation and at the end my son Patrick said “what a bad ass” and nothing else. Honestly, we were speechless while we made it back to our hotel room for the night.

Please take a moment and read Michael’s Silver Star Citation. Heroes like Michael is why Memorial Day is a day for honoring the men and women who have died while on duty with the US military and it is a day where Americans across the country pay their respects, often by visiting military cemeteries or memorials.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Lance Corporal Michael Louis Browning, Served with the 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear LCPL Michael Browning,
I hope your photo is put here because this is a wall of faces and yours is missing. Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. 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.