Timothy Richard

Posted on: Aug 22, 2024 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Aug 22, 2023 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Aug 22, 2022 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Aug 22, 2021 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Aug 22, 2020 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Aug 22, 2019 at 4:34 AM

Posted on: Aug 22, 2018 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Aug 22, 2017 at 4:34 AM

Bob Bly and I were not friends at all...as I recall. We were in a few classes together. I know he knew my name...and I his. However, I don't know anyone who didn't know him at school. I remember how strong he always seemed to be. He was on the football team. I remember there is a picture of him in uniform, with his arms wrapped around the ball, holding on..... like nobody would ever take it away from him.

I was in the Navy during the war. When I was in boot camp in San Diego and there was a USO show hosted by Bob Hope. The marines from the boot camp across the perimeter were brought to the stadium. I remember Raquel Welch was one of the entertainers. The guys in uniform went crazy when she appeared!  We were intermingled with the Marines that night...and I marveled at how determined and chiseled they seemed...after maybe just six or so weeks of training.  This was about the same time Bob was in the Marines. I wonder now if he was there. I remember being home on leave when I heard the news about Bob being killed in the war.  I worried about my best friends at CCHS, Tom Frazier and Jim McGreevy possibly meeting the same fate. I am so very grateful they did not.

A few years ago, I was at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington with a very good friend. I went to see if his name was on the list. It was...and I found his name on the granite tablet. I broke into tears, not just for him...but for all those that were sacrificed in that conflict. Even though I served....I became a true Patriot that day. I have been several more times to the "Wall"...and each time, with whoever I am with, I take them to the spot on the wall, that bears the name of our classmate "Bob Bly".

Posted on: Aug 22, 2016 at 4:33 AM