THE WALL OF FACES

My mother would have the Catholic chaplains from Great Lakes for dinner weekly. Fr. Garrity would come in the kitchen to make a raw onion sandwich with mustard as an appetizer before dinner. What a happy memory of this holy priest.
Carol Hladnik Buss, Lake Forest, IL
(daughter of Frank & Kay Hladnik of Waukegan, IL)

Loving and consoling.

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 sunlight 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.

You are blest because you chose to return below decks to be with those who died during the Oriskany fire! At that moment you said, “My place is with them.”

Dear Lcdr - Father William Garrity,
Thank you for your service as a Staff Corps Chaplain on the U.S.S. ORKKANY. Thank you for the comfort you gave to those in distress. I did the research on you on your 52nd anniversary. Happy Veterans' Day. 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.