By Jodi Hausen,Staff Writer
The young Marine is still in the hearts of those he left behind.

WILTON – Several members of the Dube family visited the Vietnam Moving Wall last week to honor their brother and uncle, Andre Louis Dube.

John Dube, in dress uniform, stood at attention next to his brother’s photo memorial at the wall Tuesday as tears streamed down his face. Later, he refused a tissue from a passer-by saying, “I’m hanging out with my brother, I want the tears to fall on the ground next to him.”

Andre Dube, born Feb. 10, 1945, was the 11th child of 14 and the youngest son. An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1963 and enlisted in the Marines the same year.

John Dube, who was serving in the Navy in Newport, R.I., in 1965, said he was fortunate to have spent 30 days’ leave with his little brother at home before he left it for the last time.

“Together we helped father with the wood for winter and spent much quality time together as grown, young men,” he wrote in a dedication that is part of the memorial.

After recovering from shrapnel injuries from a grenade, Andre received his first Purple Heart, was promoted to corporal and was eligible to finish his enlistment stateside. He chose, instead, to continue serving in Vietnam.

Four of the nine Dube brothers served in Vietnam. Only Andre did not return.

On Aug. 23, 1966, he was killed by enemy fire while riding on top of a tank near the demilitarized zone.

Andre’s niece, Rebecca Garland, an eight-year Navy veteran visiting from Maryland, said she knew bits and pieces about her uncle, but having the whole family together “gave understanding to his selfless decision to stay.”

“I would like to pass that on to my children,” she said, her two boys in tow. Garland’s older son, Nicholas, 9, a remarkable resemblance to Andre, said he wants to be a Navy pilot.

“He likes action,” his mother said.

Eight-month-old Andre Dube is the first grandchild to carry on the Dube name, according to his parents, Tony and Renee Dube, who were visiting from Chapel Hill, N.C., Friday. Both Navy veterans, the Dubes said they started an annual tradition this year, taking their son to the Washington, D.C., memorial on July 4 “so he could pay his respects to his namesake.”

Veteran Andre’s older sister, Mary Jane of Jay, said her brother liked to imitate Curly from the Three Stooges.

“All the years have gone by, but he’s still with us,” she said Friday standing beside his inscription.

“He was a special person in our heart,” John said.