Willie Junior Thigpen

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30 May 2006 Thoughts of a Soldier Before Dying by Peggy Butler Dedicated to my uncle, Willie Thigpen From the four corners Of the earth Gun drawn, My heart stops As the enemy approaches. This is the hour Death is near. I feel its massive Teeth, tearing at the Back of my neck. Its paws are Bloodied and bruised. My God, welcome me as I enter into thy kingdom. The gun is near And darkness looms. Then morning dawns, So still, so deathly silent. I am cold beneath The ground Yet I live. Kneeling, Sgt. Willie Thigpen poses for the camera, as military regalia looms in the background. 16 May 2008 This year marks the 38th anniversary of my uncle's death, and my memories of him are vivid as ever. I remember his smile and his gentleness. But most of all I remember a man who overcame his reverence of death to become an American hero, along with the men and women whose names are emblazoned on the Wall. And as I sit typing, I close my eyes and remember his face. Using my imagination, my fingers trace his nose, travel to his chin, and then we clasp hands. And then as if on cue, I offer a ceremonial toast, softly whispering, "Here's to the heroes of all wars." For the average American the war ended 33 years ago, but for the participants and those who lost relatives and friends it will always be there. And for those of us familiar with the brutality of war, our sentiments can be summed up in the following words: The world stands still, as heaven and earth unite as one to form the universe. So stands the soldier, poised, ready to fight and filled with the quivering of valor, relentless and unfaltering in its glory. Tragically, that is where the sentiments lay. From his niece, Peggy Butler 12802 N. W. 38th Avenue, Reddick, Fl 32686 publisher987@wmconnect.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 30 May 2006
Last updated 08/10/2009