THE WALL OF FACES

Photo and article were taken from the Philadelphia Daily News of October 26, 1987. The special supplement entitled, "SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY,' was published in conjunction with the dedication of the Philadelphia Viet Nam Memorial.

"A teacher at Bishop Neumann High School recalled Flahive as a 'normal, red-blooded American kid.' He was a member of the football and track teams and stage crew. After graduating in 1964, Flahive worked as a packer. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1965 and arrived in Da Nang, Viet Nam, in September 1966. The rifleman was assigned to Company C of the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines. The 20-year-old lance corporal drowned less than a month later on October 23, 1966. He was surivived by his mother."

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

I didn't know you but you lived up the street from me and you went to the same school as I. Just a few years earlier. You were a friend of my brother Ron and that makes you a friend of mine. I too share the pain of surviving when you did not. But you are better than I, you were willing to give your life for me and our country. I can not thank you enough for the ultimate sacrifice you made. You will forever be part of my life. Thank you

Time has not been able to heal or ease my mind. I feel guilty that I did not serve in Vietnam, as many young people did during that period. I rememebr leaving for the Army only two weeks after learning that you gave the ultimate sacifice for our country. I am thankfull that I have memories of the football games played at Wharton Square. You and the Barone's played as if every game was the championship. I remember that you always gave your all in anything you did.

I visit your grave often. An American flag is usually present. I will keep a supply available at all times to be sure you are honored until I see you in heaven.

One Wild & Crazy guy; Neumann Class of '64.
Little did we know what was in store for us when we worked "detention" on Mr. Perry's crew. I remember you as a real "good" guy:
funny, smart, and protector of the little guy. I heard about Bobby Brulte first and then I heard about you, and then the others.
I understand there were 22 from Neumann. Tommy, I think and pray for you a lot old buddy. I have the pain, the anger. I live with the guilt of surviving when you guys didn't. I live to try to make this world a better place, I do it for you, Bobby and the others; I do it because I need to feel that there is a "purpose" in it all. Sometimes it's not easy even after all of these years. I wish the anger would go away, it is never far from the surface. I want to scream out, I want answers, I want to know "WHY?" Rest Easy old buddy, Rest Easy. You are not forgotten! Semper Fi!