THE WALL OF FACES

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace SN. Dunning, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. My friend Cary Rundle perished in this same tragedy...perhaps you knew him. May you rest in eternal peace.

Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear SN Timothy Dunning,
Thank you for your service as a Constructionman, Signalman 3rd Class Seaman from the U.S.S. WESTCHESTER COUNTY. Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Tim Dunning was our neighbor when I was 4.
I remember that day when you flopped on the couch and dramatically told your mom you didn't want to babysit me. You made me laugh, you were halfway off the couch with your leg hanging over the arm. Your little dog jumped on you and you laughed and rolled off the couch. You kept me busy playing with the dog and making funny faces. I will never forget how you didn't want to watch me but you were still so nice and funny. I was still a child when our family heard you had been killed in Vietnam. I didn't understand anything about the war or what it meant when the news said how many troops had been killed that day. How could those numbers be actual people? How could you be one of those numbers? I was sad that you went so far away and you died. I pictured how you must have been scared and cold and just wanted to be home in your warm bed. I was sad for you and I was sad for your mother, I knew how much she loved you. You didn't get in trouble when you flopped on the couch or for saying you didn't want to do something. It was sad to hear how you went into the Navy when you were going to be drafted, it was supposed to be safer than being drafted into the army. It was sad to hear the heartbreaking story of regret the person had who convinced you it was a better decision.
You gave your life to this country, our country. You weren't just a number, you were a funny, make the best of it, kind of person. I feel lucky to have a moment from my 4 year old self that made such and impact on me.
Thank you for serving our country.
Thank you for being my reluctant babysitter.
Thank you for making the best of it.
Patty