On September 15th, 2001 in Pittsburgh, Pa., a memorial service was held for PhuLam's only POW/MIA Richard Joseph Lacey. Our dinner guests included Richard's 3 brothers, Steve, Walter & Jim Lacey, plus some cousins and niece. Due to the World Trade Center attack, Richard's mother was also going to attend but could not get a plane out of Florida. Since then I have been writing to her. She has sent me photo's of Richard which I will place below. I wish to thank the Lacey family for being at the dinner.

Below I am placing the dinner memorial photo and the meaning of the flowers. The flowers and the vase has been sent to Mrs. Lacey.





VASE:
The color Colbalt Blue, the color of Archangel Micheal's ray, expressing perfection, faith and the desire to do the will of God. The Vase made of crystal. If dropped will shatter in millions of pieces, just as the hearts of the Lacey family when the news of Richard's disappearance became known.

ANGEL:
I placed and named this angel Raphael, meaning-One of the seven archangels and one of the best loved of all angels. Raphael is honored as a regent to the sun, the angel of healing, the angel of science, the angel of knowledge, head of the guardian angels, and chief of the angelic orders of virtures. Although he is also a member of the seraphim, the dominations, and the cherubim. Raphael, whose name means "God has healed," is best known for his appearance in the Book of Tobit. Raphael is said to possess the happiest disposition of any of the angels, having as well the best sense of humor. This may well be the result of his close relationship with the sun; he is, after all, regent of the orb and was called by the poet Longfellow, the angel of the sun. He delights in bringing health, happiness, and joy everywhere he goes and encourages the guardian angels in their work.

FIRST CONTAINER OF WATER:
That is being poured into the vase, represents the body of water that separates Richard from his family and the country he fought for.

THE SECOND CONTAINER OF WATER:
being poured into the vase, represents all the tears shed by Richard's family & friends since Richard's disappearance.

10 RED CARNATIONS:
that are being placed into the vase represents the years that PhuLam fully existed during the Vietnam War.

FIRST PINK CARNATION:
represents all the PhuLamers who served before Richard went to PhuLam.

SECOND PINK CARNATION:
represents all the PhuLamers who served with Richard during his time at PhuLam.

THIRD PINK CARNATION:
represents all the PhuLamers who served after Richard's disappearance at PhuLam.

WHITE CARNATION:
being placed into the vase stands for PhuLams only POW/MIA, Richard Joseph Lacey.

YELLOW CARNATION:
that is being placed into the vase, represents all the yellow ribbons that has been placed on doors, windows, cars, trees & businesses in memory of our missing men in Vietnam.

BLACK CARNATION:
being placed into the vase, represents all the POW/MIA flags that fly all over our great nation, letting everybody know that we care and want our POW/MIA's brought home.

THE TWO FERNS:
represents the hands of GOD. These hands have been placed on Richard to comfort and guide him.

FIRST BABY BREATH:
being placed into the vase, represents the family & friends of Richard. Each bud and flower represents a treasured memory & remembrance of a time spent with Richard.

SECOND BABY BREATH:
being placed into the vase represents all the PhuLamers who served and knew of Richard. Each bud and flower represents a memory & remembrance of time spent with Richard.

Mrs. Lacey:
As time goes by, these flowers will wilt and die, but the vase will last forever. And the angel Raphael will always be upon Richard's shoulder to guide him in whatever path he may be taking.

On Behalf of the Veterans of the PhuLam Signal Base in Vietnam, we present to you this angel vase of memories. Thank you for giving them your son Richard, so they could be where they are today & thank you for taking the time to be here and share this special time with them.