THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

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

Thank you.

DEAR SERGEANT BASSO,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. SEMPER FI. WHEN I SAW YOU ARE FROM NORTH WHITE PLAINS, I THOUGHT OF MY DAD. HE GREW UP THERE, AND WE STILL HAVE FAMILY THERE. BUT, THERE IS A LISTING OF YOUR BURIAL PLOT. MUCH OF MY FAMILY IS BURIED AT MT. CALVARY. MY HUSBAND JUST PASSED (ALSO TOO YOUNG), AND HE IS BURIED IN MY FAMILY PLOT. THE CONTES. I'LL HAVE TO LOOK YOU LOOK WHEN I GO, MEANTIME, SAY HI TO MY HUSBAND MICHAEL. HE DOESN'T HAVE A STONE YET, THE GROUND HASN'T SETTLED YET, BUT GREET HIM IN HIS NEW HOME. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. ADVENT IS HERE, AND CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. THE NEW YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Michele is buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery, White Plains, Westchester County, NY. Sect F, Plot 130, # 12