The grief I feel for you my friends, I never can fully let go.
- You were there one day: and then you were gone.
And no one can really explain the why of it.
I loved you as a brother and more - oh so much more.
You shared my loads; and I gave you the affection I could.
- But you, - you gave your all, - for me and for the other brothers
there - and here; - and for others who will never know,
- nor really appreciate the kind of brother - willing to risk all
- to ultimately give all.

I feel so empty. - The times, the places, the faces, and names are all being
eroded by the sands of time. - I wish I were more,
so I could honor you more. You all deserve so much more than I
can ever give you. If only I could remember better the
kindnesses you gave. The times you switched rations,
- 'cause you knew I couldn't eat ham and lima beans.
The times you carried part of my load
- 'cause you saw I was ready to fall. The time you told me:
"Doc, you remind me of my Mom.
- She's the only one that cared for me like you do".
You warmed my heart, when it was cold. you made me feel
like I was an intimate part of your family,
- if only for a little while. I withheld part of me while I knew you.
- I was so afraid that I could not do my job if I became too close.
And by being more distant, - I now have this big hole in my
heart for you. - Because I don't know how to tell you
what the time we spent together means to me.
- I can only tell you that I would never trade it for the
safety of staying home.

My Brothers, - Fallen Brothers.
I carry a little bit of you with me every day.
How can I ever let you go? - You would never let me go.
You watched my every step along the way. Follow me!
Don't step there Doc, it's booby trapped! Walk in my steps,
it's safe there.

You were so courageous my Brothers. And I was always afraid that you
would find out the fears I carried around inside.
Fear that I could not do the things that needed to be done.
Fear that I would let you down. Fear that I would lose you,
- more afraid of really living than dying. ------

There's a wall, - a wall with your name on it, If only I could remember
all those things I should, I could meet you there.
But there's another wall, and behind that wall all brothers meet together,
- in another time and another place.
And in that time and place we shall get to know one another again.
- There's a Father over all brothers.
His memory does not fade with the changes of time.
And He will heal all sorrows and wipe away all tears.
I love you Brothers, - like a brother - and I miss you.