THE WALL OF FACES

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Eduardo Ayala, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Corporal Eduardo Ayala, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Eddie,

I foundly remember you as a real fun loving guy. You and I first met at Roosevelt Elementry School in El Paso. We were in the second grade together in Miss Cobos' class. You were double promoted at the end of the year. I can not recall when you left Roosevelt, but I eventually caught up with you at El Paso High School. I graduated in May 1966 ,and I went on to UTEP. I still recall the moment I heard about your scarifice that November. I was in-between classes and walking to a geology class on a cool sunny bright morning. I was stunned at the awful news and spent the rest of the day in a daze.

I have been to the "Wall" several times and visited you. I guess I'll never forget you since I still often think of you. I have a actual wall-rubbing of your name and it is proudly hanging on my classroom. I now teach U.S. and World History at a San Antonio, Texas alternative high school.

Camarada Eddie, gracias por tu sacrificio y yo se que estas en el cielo con el Senor. Dale una buena palabra de mi.

Your fellow vato-in-arms,

Ezequiel (Zekie) Chacon
(Ret) Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Medical Service Corps

Eduardo, I never knew you. All we have in common is El Paso, where we are both from. I was in high school when you were serving our country. I just wanted you and those who love you to know that your sacrifice is not unnoticed. Dios te tenga en paz, Eduardo.