THE WALL OF FACES

Gone but not forgotten. You paid a terrible price for what is now largely a grateful nation. I am delighted to have learned about you and your sacrifice.

Today, March 29, 2023 members of the drum and bugle corps Alumni Breakfast Club paid tribute to Vietnam veterans in Madison, WI. Of special consideration today was a tribute to Micheal J. Banovez who was a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He died in support of freedom and we will never forget him or his service.

Mike and I grew up together and marched with the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps. An accomplished athlete, he joined the Marine Corps after graduation from High School and was a distinguished graduate from Marine Basic and volunteered for Vietnam. He was on his 2nd tour (also volunteered to return to finish his obligation) when he fell on the battlefield. I was in OCS at Fort Knox, KY when I received the news and his sacrifice has haunted my memory. A great Marine, a great citizen and friend and a terrible loss to his family and our Country.
COL William T. Meddings (USAR Retired)

Michael was a cousin of mine, a mentor and hero to me as a child. I am forever grateful for the inspiration he brought to my life. Now 55 years after his death, I still miss him and wonder what he would have been if he had made it back from Vietnam alive. Service to others was his calling and it is why he joined the Marines. He wanted to protect freedom for all including the Vietnamese people. For his dedication to American ideals, we are indebted.
At his funeral the sermon by Pastor Bruce Wrightsman included these words;
"Here too, before us this day, we are confronted by another young man who gave his life that others might live. He hated war; but he hate tyranny more. He loved life; but even more, he loved the lives of others. On one of his last days home last August when we had lunch together, I sensed the pain he felt knowing that he was likely to return to the far east. And in one of his last letters to me from over seas he said "Someone has to do the dirty jobs". What is it that Jesus said? "Greater love hath no man than this, than that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Nancy Merkel is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...