July 3, 2008
Frenchy & 9th Engineers:
Well, I got to the wall early this am and carefully placed your "boots and dog tags " at The Wall with your letter. As you will see from the pictures, it quickly drew a crowd.
The guide at the wall said it would probably stay for the weekend and then go into storage. Soon they will open a | | | | Dog tag for each of the 9th Engineer Battalion's KIA's and one MIA. The Plaque honors their sacrifice. | | visitors center where they will show some of the mementos, hopefully yours.
What was really eerie was I finally decided to look at one of the dog tags before I placed the boots at the wall and whose should I see but SSgt Crooks, my platoon Sgt back at Lejeune for 1-2 yrs who was killed by a land mine shortly after arrival in the summer of 66.
Think this is a very powerful piece. I looked no further.
Frenchy, we cannot thank you enough.
Semper Fi,
Bob Nilsson
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Frenchy's letter with his Boots and Dog Tags memorial ---
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Dear Brothers:
Thank you for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.
I think of you guys a lot and I hope you forgive me for coming home. I try to lead a good life and help others, especially kids, to make my coming home worthwhile.
Heavy - I met your family a few years ago at the Las Vegas reunion. You have a great family and your parents, wife and kids love you very much. I'm sure you know that.
Ken - I also met your family at this year's reunion in D.C. Your wife, two sons, and two daughters, Ken Jr., Tim, Diana, and Debra. What a wonderful family. They were able to know you a little better. I know you realize it, but they love you very much.
Jimmy - my good friend "I never met." I love you, brother, and I love, Mom. She's a wonderful woman and I wish she were closer so I could visit more often. I love her very much, and I'm sorry for all of the pain she has had to endure over the years. It makes me feel better when I can put a smile on her face. I love her as my own mother, Jimmy. Your sister, Sandy, is also a wonderful lady. After all these years I finally met her last fall. Jimmy, she's real nice and she has a very special place in my heart. Love your family, brother and love you.
To all my brothers in the 9th Engineer Battalion, 1966 to 1970 who gave everything - May God bless you and your families.
You are in my prayers.
I will never forget you.
I love you all.
I'm sorry for coming home and leaving you.
I hope I've led a good life worthy of what you have given for my family and me.
Semper Fi, Brothers. I love you.
Frenchy
9th Engineer, RVN
June 1966 - January 1968
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