50,000 NAMES

(Carved in the Wall)

(written by Jamie O'Hara)

There's teddy bears and high school rings

And old photographs that Mamas bring,
Of Daddies with their young boys, playing ball.

There's combat boots that he used to wear,
When he was sent over there.
There's 50,000 names carved in the wall.

There's cigarettes and there's cans of beer,
And notes that say I miss you dear;

And children who don't say anything at all.

There's Purple Hearts and packs of gum,

And fatherless daughters and fatherless sons;
And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall.

They come from all across this land,
In pickup trucks and minivans;
Searching for a boy from long ago.

They scan the wall and find his name,
The teardrops fall like falling rain;
And silently they leave a gift and go.

There's Stars of David and Rosary Beads,

And Crucifixion figurines,

And flowers of all colors, large and small.

There's a Boy Scout badge and a merit pin,

Little American Flags waving in the wind;

And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall.

There's 50,000 names carved in the wall.

The bear is from the Salina, KS POW-MIA support group. They gave 4 bears to the RFTW (Run For The Wall) riders to take to the wall. The bears ride on motorcycles to the wall as honored guests. The soldier in the picture is from New York. It was placed there by a retired Master Sergeant who served with the man. The Master Sergeant rides with Rolling Thunder.