THE WALL OF FACES

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 never die...

Ted was a high school friend. He was always one of the guys and he was always a, “ good guy!”

Dear Lt Theodore Burton,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. 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.

Dear 1LT Theodore Hughes Burton, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Teddy was my next-door neighbor on Locust Avenue in Springfield, PA for over 10-years. He was my senior by 3-years & mentored me in elementary school through high school.

When he went off to Duke University, he encouraged me to explore colleges in that area. Ultimately, I enrolled at UNC in Chapel Hill, only a few miles away. He showed me the ropes of academic life (as well as social life) my freshman year. Sadly, it was in my Sophomore year after he had graduated from Duke & went off to fulfill his ROTC commission that I learned he died in combat.

This was devastating news for me & our hometown. My parents & his were close friends as were his & my younger siblings. By the time I graduated & was eligible for the draft, the war was winding down. My Selective Service lottery number was high enough that I was not called up.

However, I will never forget the sacrifice Teddy & others of my generation made. When I fly the flag on Memorial Day, it is not some abstract ceremony. I think back on the loss of a warm & loving friend who undoubtedly would have accomplished wonderful things had his life not been cut short. He had all the qualities to reach his potential in anything he wished to pursue. We are all diminished by his loss at an early age. RIP, Ted