A Tribute to my Shipmates

[Eddies66]

L/CPL DARWIN L. JUDGE and CPL CHARLES McMAHON, JR. last Marines killed in Vietnam, also my classmates at Marine Security Guard School.

My Walk to the Wall
My heart is heavy, my emotions high,
Promise myself not to, but know I will cry,
Time stands still as I face the wall,
Bracing myself for an emotional fall,
Valiant men and women who fought for a cause,
Many who answer the ultimate call,
Bearing their souls on a black granite wall.

Knowing I had two names I would find among the thousands as I scan the lines
Aunts, uncles, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends and lovers,
Relived by memories of thousands of others,
As I walked away, my head held high, my heart filled with pride,
Such a magnificent tribute for those who died.
Touching the names so dearly loved,
Showed no shame,
Names became faces,
No question to loss or gain,
When all is said and my life comes to an end
We will unite and be forever friends.

Unknown