You're comin' thru loud and clear, Jim-

it won't be easy, but it will be done.

I just got off the phone with a Marine, Mike, who fought alongside the two Marines I mentioned. Mike and I have corresponded via email and phone a few times over the past year and a half. He and I only live a half-hour apart, but have not yet met, but I feel like I've known him for many years. We talked about how often we have teared up in the past couple of years over our lost, and how dry-eyed we had both been for the previous thirty-plus years.

My first time at the Wall, 7 Oct 84, is all but a blur, although it was a beautiful fall day. I don't remember anything but arriving, seeing a name loom up in front of me and invade my heart, and trudging away like a grunt in the mud after what had to have been many hours later. I will never forget the tears, but I don't remember any flowers, medals, ribbons, photos, wreaths, zippos, or any sound whatsoever, except-"somethin's happenin;' here... what it is ain't exactly clear".....

That song still kicks my ass every time.

You'll be there with us, Jim.

Lump