THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sp4 Daniel Irizarry-Acevedo, I hope your photo is put here because this wall of faces is missing yours. Thank you for your service an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I think about you everyday. We were together in Vietnam, when your mother would send letters and blessings to both of us. Sorry I never had the guts to tell your family I was with you. I have been grieving for 45 years. Should someone want to contact me, I welcome it. Your brother from Vietnam.

Dear SP4 Daniel Irizarry-Acevedo, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Daniel is buried at Puerto Rico Nat Cem, Bayamon,PR. His stone says Co A,2 Bn, 22 INF, 25 INF DIV.

Let martial note in triumph float
And liberty extend its mighty hand
A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers,
The banner of the Western land.
The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom's shield and hope.

Let eagle shriek from lofty peak
The never-ending watchword of our land;
Let summer breeze waft through the trees
The echo of the chorus grand.
Sing out for liberty and light,
Sing out for freedom and the right.
Sing out for Union and its might,
O patriotic sons.

Hurrah for the flag of the free.
May it wave as our standard forever
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with might endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray,
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

This is an excerpt from John Phillip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever". Even though it was published in 1896 it has remained in the hearts of countless Americans till today. It holds within it's lyrics the meaning of freedom and pride of America. I as an American am able to experience that freedom and thankfulness without fear. I owe my gratitude to those heros who "marched to the fray" proclaiming "that by their might and by their right" our country stands with our flag waving high. I thank you Daniel for your life. You are my fellow American and have my respect. God Bless You and your loved ones. May you rest in peace. (Posted as part of the Gridley High School posting project.)