THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will never die...

Private First Class John Joseph Avella, Served with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

He is buried in Sylvan Abbey Cemetery in Clearwater, Florida.

DEAR PFC AVELLA,
THANKS FOR BEING A GRUNT WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THIS WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND. SAY HI TO MIKE IN HEAVEN. WE ARE CELEBRATING COLUMBUS DAY, AND THE DISCOVERY THAT LED TO US BEING IN AMERICA. THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING AMERICA. REST IN PEACE.

Looking back, I was a 16 year old know it all punk when Rich, one of my older brothers called me, who was an Officer in the Navy stationed at Guam, he said call Brother John and let him know that since Rich was stationed in Guam that John did not need to go to Viet Nam because there could not be two brothers in the same war zone - so I called John and let him know what Rich informed me, but in the back of my mind and I am sure Rich's mind also, I did not expect any different answer then the one I received - "I want to go" - the rest is history - I LOVE You BROTHER