THE WALL OF FACES

I was in the Class of 1969 with Bruce at Corinth High School in New York. We did not have many classes together but he was a well-known and well-liked kid. He quit school in the middle of our junior year, in December 1967, to enlist in the Marines. I was working in a local supermarket in August 1968 when someone came in to say they had learned of Bruce's death. I am in Washington today for a social gathering, but I plan to visit the wall this afternoon, to find Bruce's name which I have done many times before, and think about how young he was to go off to war and lose his life. Look at the photographs. They were all so young.

It was early summer of 68. He just finished basic. I lived near base and he was distantly related to me. We met up. I'd set him up with a date with my girlfriend's girlfriend. We were on the way to Disneyland and got a flat. Luckily Bruce had AAA and roadside assistance saved the day. The four of us enjoyed Disney till it closed that night. He was gone just a few weeks later.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You were born three days before me. I am now 72 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

Private First Class Bruce Norman Colson, Served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.