THE WALL OF FACES

I am proud to say I wore the bracelet for Humberto. I was cleaning out things today and found this bracelet. Brought back a lot of memories from that time.

I did not know Mr. Rosario. But I did wear his name on my wrist all through my high school years from 1970 when I bought the bracelet for about $3 and then through 1973 and beyond. I only took it off once...to go to my senior prom... and then put it right back on the next day. I have kept his bracelet with me throughout my lifetime, now almost 60, Somehow I never lost it. I take it out and look at it from time to time and always remember his name and wonder how his family is and about the profound pain they endured after losing and never finding their beautiful, young son of only 21. He continues to be listed as an MIA, and I have the blue star on my bracelet to note that. I now have two sons of my own, aged 18 and 22, and cannot imagine the bravery it must have taken to let go of Humberto's hand as he entered the Army after high school. I was teaching my class just today about the Viet Nam war and I brought in that bracelet to show them. I then did something I never did before... I looked up his name and was absolutely astonished to so easily find Humberto and to see his face for the very first time...it was like my bracelet and his name came alive for me for the first time.. I just broke down and cried. My students were just stunned to see my reaction. I was simultaneously both thrilled and shocked to see his face and then cried as if he were my own son. No words to describe how quickly those tears came to my eyes for a young man I never knew, who today would be 68 years old. I am so sorry that you had to face the ending that you did, sir. I read every word of your tragic demise in combat. I will pray for you and your family and never forget the sacrifice that you all made because you had the courage and patriotism to volunteer to serve the United States of America... a boy from Puerto Rico who probably felt that the way to becoming a man was to serve his country and his family with pride and honor. You did not fail them, sir...you did not fail me, either. You will forever be a part of my teen years and now my life, forever. "The song ends but the melody lingers on...." Irving Berlin
Never to be forgotten by me....SSGT Humberto Acosta Rosario.

Since high school in the 70's I have proudly worn his name on my wrist. I pray someday his family has closure. Every day I look at his name and say a prayer for him and all that have served.

I've worn Ssgt. Humbero Acosta-Rosario's bracelet far way too many years..in fact I had hair when I started. I have't taken it off except for surgeries since I started wearing it. God Bless you and all of our MIAs.

Dear SSGT Humberto Acosta-Rosario, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter