THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

I think of Tommy often. He was taken from us far too early. Yesterday was his 75th birthday. I know he is celebrating with his special Mom and Dad and brother Jimmy. My sisters and I (Henrietta and MaryJo) were just sharing favorite memories of visiting the Ghelli cousins in Holliston from our small town in NJ every summer.

Corporal Thomas Alfred Ghelli, Served with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Thomas, we are cousins that never met but I wish we could have. I did not know of your death until several years ago and if I had known I would have visited your name on the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. I'm retired Air Force but I never served overseas. My two brothers did serve in the USAF and each did a one year tour in VN and came home safe. I think of you often and hope you are in peace...

Dear CPL Thomas Ghelli,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Happy Advent. 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.