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William Martines Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Martines
6 Entries
Ken Miller
November 21, 2005
Why We Gather
I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who once acted their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the U.S. Marine Corps. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another.
I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect friendships; those are the province of legend and myth. A few of my comrades drift far from me now, sending back only occasional word. I know that one day even these could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close, a couple perhaps, always at hand.
As long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades. . .such good men.
Semper Fi!
From These Good Men - Michael Norman
Although Billy was not a Marine He was a Vietnam Veteran & served his country PROUDLY as other Vietnam Veterants from BEDFORD, felt this was apporiate.Was saddened to learn of Billy's passing.
Ken Miller @ [email protected]
rikki Stone
November 13, 2005
My very deepest sympathy to Mr and Mrs Martines, Marilyn, Tina and Johnny.
I am so sorry to learn of Billy's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of Billy starting when he pulled up in his blue corvett to pick Marilyn up from college. He was the first person I ever heard that just got home from a place called Viet Nam. May his soul rest in peace forever and ever. I love you all so much.
David and Pauline Rogers
November 13, 2005
Billy is my friend, we have been since about 1951. We have done lots of fun things, some a bit on the border line of good taste. Billy has had troubles, but he is still my friend, although I have not seen him in too many years, I will miss him.
Mr & Mrs Martines, you mean a lot to me frankly I think of you frequently, the big house on Great Road, your comments about Gram's baked Beans, your help while I was in college, just everything about you has flooded my mind, my arms are wrapped around you in prayer.
God Bless you and your children and grandchildren and grandchildren, they are blessed to have you.
Love David Rogers
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