THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your sisters (?) Cindi, Sally, and Becky are especially poignant and reflect their love and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

Our mother called me around 9 am to come sit with her, she had been tense all weekend, concerned something was wrong. I was there 15 mins. when we heard the knock on the door. We knew as soon as we saw him what had happened. I told him where to find Dad, and he brought him home. Our parents held each other and cried. Berated themselves for being poor and not able to protect their son.
It was heartbreaking. We miss you still, Darrell. A bright light went out when we lost you.

It has been 49 years, since our brother Darrell died in Viet Nam along with his Scout Dog Butch. He was very intelligent, well read and was involved in politics. What could he have achieved had he lived? He had graduated from college, so he enlisted entering Officer Candidate School and later switching to Platoon Scout Dogs. Being 25 years old, he looked out for the younger guys, he was the old man. He even did that in our neighborhood when he was young. When asked why he was enlisting and didn't just be a draft dodger, he quoted Oliver Wendell Holmes, who said, " A man must participate in the events of this time." Referring to Holmes own service in the Civil War. How many young man would even think of such a statement. It shows the magnitude of our loss. We think of him often. As other soldiers continue in harms way, we think of them. We were informed of his death on Veteran's Day, so it has a dual meaning for us. It is an important day for us to remember all Veterans and their sacrifice.

A day doesn't go by where you are not on my mind. I think about you often. You are forever young, just like the day you left in late March/early April of 1970 - rushing to say goodbyes to all of us. And your last words were to watch the news and we would know where you were sent.

Dear Sgt Darrell Colford,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman (Scout Dog.) December is almost gone, along with all the preparations. It is the 5th Day of Christmas. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.