THE WALL OF FACES

Francis, I was born in 1999, decades after your passing, the date is October 19th, 2021, and my mother still talks about you, she grew up in long Island and spoke about the day finding out you were KIA, her father went over with a bunch of neighborhood dads to console your parents. I wish you knew the impact you kept on these people, my family has talked about you since then. Your sacrifice to a grateful nation is not forgotten, We live in Westchester now, and all I can say it would have been an honor to meet you.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Reading the remembrances left for you by family members shows the love they have for you. As long as you are remembered you will never truly die.

Private First Class Francis Howard Andrysiak, Served with Company D, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Francis

I remember our memories; they are there, any time, any day. The thread of your loss is intertwined with all of the bright, happy, youthful threads of my life's tapestry. Although we lost you decades ago, the pain of your loss is vividly imprinted on my soul. You were too young, too promising to be lost because of the human need to have wars. I miss you my dear friend, cousin, brother. We shared a gene pool but more than that, you were so much a part of my youth. We shared so much of life's experiences, family traditions, love and laughter. The pain of loosing you, so young, has never faded. Like so many others, you are the reason for Memorial Day. Until we meet again, you live in my spirit.

DEAR PFC ANDRYSIAK,
THANKS FOR BEING AN ARMY GRUNT. YOU ARE A VALENTINE'S DAY BABY, AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED BY THIS NATION. REST IN PEACE.