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.

Sergeant Patrick Martin Grella, Served with the 3rd Platoon, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army Vietnam. Montani Semper Liberi !

God reveal His love and joy to you! Pray for us. Mike and Kathleen

50 years ago today, my Uncle Pat (born Martin Patrick) was killed in action by friendly fire in Vietnam. I was convicted more than 25 years ago to live a life worthy of his memory and to name my firstborn son after him, and four years ago Zachary Martin was born. I know Uncle Pat is smiling down on his namesake, and I look forward to meeting him in Heaven one day.

Around the time of Zachary’s birth, I found on the this Wall of Faces the story of PFC Dennis Burckhard, who was with Pat when he died. We subsequently exchanged some nice letters and pictures. I continue to be grateful for the service of all our military men and women.

Dear Sgt Patrick Grella,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.