THE WALL OF FACES

I didn't know you, but you gave your life in an act to end communism and I thank you for your service in this country.

Richard is buried at Cypress Hills Nat Cem.

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

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

Again, thank you Sailor, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

It was love at first site for me. I met Ritchie when I was about 9 or 10 years old. We 'Maggio's' traveled from Jersey to NY to be with the 'Adamo side' of the family. I didn't understand that he was my cousin and frankly, I didn't care! Love is like that. Ritchie let me, a girl, play stick ball outside with the boys. He let me go first (something my own older brother never learned), and he encouraged me to do my best. When the adults called us inside to eat, he held the door for me and allowed me to fill my plate first. I loved going to NY - to the 'Adamo side' and I especially loved Ritchie. Soon after, life changed. My dad died at the young age of 45 and we didn't go to NY anymore. But I never forgot my cousin Ritchie. He was a sweetheart. I was in Texas, while my own husband served in the Air Force during the war. It was a terrifying time. Then I got the message from home that Ritchie was killed in Vietnam. My heart stopped when I got the news. We had grown apart and I'm not even sure if he even remembered his Maggio cousin, but I never forgot him. Love is like that.

Marilyn Maggio