THE WALL OF FACES

Kenneth,

Today is July 2, 2007, and I sit in Washington, DC remembering 1967 and 1968 in Vietnam. We are attending a reunion with Khe Sanh Veterans Association and over the next few days, I and many of your Brothers from 26th Marines will visit your special place on the wall but even more importantly we will again be visiting the very special place that you hold in our hearts. You know we visit it often.

This year my family and I will celebrate the 4th of July with our Brothers that we served with in Vietnam, those here attending the reunion and those here in spirit that gave there all so many years ago.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.


Rest in peace my friend my Brother.
You are missed and never forgotten.

Mac
Milton McNeely
B/1/26

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. 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 sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

Kenneth is buried at San Francisco Nat Cem.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Kenneth William Claire, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Corporal Claire, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Anyone who has read anything of all that went on in and around Khe Sanh in 1968 knows that Kenneth Claire was a hero. He died on the day that Lt. Jacques' platoon was ambushed outside the wire of the combat base. Survivors spoke of his firing a LAW with one hand and his M-16 with the other. This, apparently, is how he served his tour in Vietnam. He should be remembered.