This gentleman who I served with briefly in Nam recently got in touch with me and shared this message he wrote in memory of visiting the Wall in DC for the first time. I thought it worth to share ...
To paraphrase: `No greater love than to lay down your life for a friend.' There are actually 58,000+ names of men and women on the Wall. I went there today having donned my ribbons and medals to say hello to a few of my friends and render them a `thank you', 'salute' and a `welcome home'. As I approached the information desk, a "Blue Star" mother extended her hand to me and said `Thank You sir!" She wouldn't release my hand and continued to say appreciative and comforting things of which I cannot remember a specific single one as my emotions over-came me and I began to weep . She, this unknown to me greeter, wrapped her arms around my back and I wept on her shoulder. After a few moments, I somewhat regained my composure and stood straight in front of her. She then asked if she may present me with a token of our nation's appreciation by presenting to me a red, white and blue neck length medallion. I started weeping again and held out my hand to receive it. Taking it from a package, she asked if she may place it around my neck instead. I removed my Veterans cap and bowed my head to receive this precious gift. While I had tear stained cheeks, I heard her say those words Viet Nam Vets still long for as the words touch that "lost chord" deep inside - "Welcome Home". I thanked her and was offered a paper towel to blow my nose and wipe away tears. As I was walking along stopping at some of the names I sought, I would greet the other
`walking ' vets with a "Welcome Home". Everyone of them returned my greeting with the same!
This is just an attempt to put into words some of today's main event and offer to every vet of every war a `thank you', a salute, and "Welcome Home". And remember, "One does not cease to exist until one is forgotten."
Thanks to all for allowing me to share.
With kind regards and many blessings to you and yours, I remain
Semper Fidelis,
Sgt. Holt R. Louque USMC 2340326
3rd Marine Division
4th Marine Regitment
HQ Co., Scout/Sniper Section
FPO, San Francisco, CA, 96602
P.S. "All gave some though some gave all."
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