THE WALL OF FACES

Rest in peace with the warriors.

SP4 Richard A. Giovanacci and ten other Santa Maria High School graduates have been memorialized in a display case located in the administration building at Santa Maria High School in Santa Maria, CA. Their images were placed there decades ago and have recently been moved to a main corridor in a new exhibit. This exhibit includes rubbings of their names from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. in addition to the names of 18 others who lost their lives in Vietnam. This newly located display will remind students, staff, and other passersby each day of the tremendous sacrifice these young men made for their country.

Richard is buried at Santa Maria Cemetery in Santa Maria, CA.

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.

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 hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

written by Mary Frye
circa 1932

It was so long ago...but I still remember the car you had in Zio's garage...I used to sit in it and play when I visited Zio and Zia Giovanacci...I think of you and what your life would have been like...even though I didn't see you that much, I love my family...I wish I could give you back what was taken from you...you will always be remembered in my heart...our family is proud of you and we miss you...your cousin Allen D. Meadows...God bless you...