THE WALL OF FACES

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.

G,day Pete
We first met in Fort Wayne, Detroit 14-10-68 Our first order was to raise our right hand and repeat some gibberish similar to "I do" The second order was to release our contraband.
Your response was to give up a half full pint of cactus jack. You answered to "jack" through out our basic training at Fort Knox.
We both being from northern MI knew ho to make extra cash. Yours was shoe shine accounts, while I would take KP for the cityits that didn't or wouldn't do their part.
Your HAPPY attitude was a definite pick me up, ALWAYS.
It was an honor "jack"
Later H

Dear CPL Maurice Peter Kraemer Jr, 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.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Well Pete ,Steve Merkel and myself finally got to see your final resting place in East Jordan . The countryside was beautiful in full autumn bloom. We met with five members of your family at your grave site and shared stories of you with them. We gave your sister Judy a memorial plaque of the brick we laid in your honor at the Coleman veteran memorial . I sent photoes to Judy of our visit along with a note trying to explain the bond that Steve and I have and that we shared with you. The emotional scars of war are everlasting as well as the bonds of friendship for the living and the dead .It was quite a trip -2400 miles in six days but one that Steve and I will always cherish and remember. I can't believe it has been 43 years . You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Until we meet again.

Paul

Pete,Never a day goes by that I don't think of you -bent over coming through the wire with the radio on your back,or the times shared over a fire as we made jiffy pop from home packages.

You remain in my thoughts and prayers .