THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR LIEUTENANT BATTISTA,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRY OFFICER. SEMPER FI. 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. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Tony, I remember you today as if it were yesterday. We had many very happy memories that we only knew about. I wish I could have told you then but now it's too late. But please know that in my heart ,you have a very special and privet spot that only you and I and God know about. Sorry about the misspelled word but you knew me and know that my mind was always more on you than I can say. Please rest in peace Tony and know that I have never stopped loving you since the day I met you and wish I had said that many many years ago. I was too afraid to tell anyone how I really felt about you then, so please forgive me for still loving you even today and always. I miss you Tony and I'll never stop missing you or loving you until we meet again. And yes I was upset when you got married.

Knew Tony well, was part of his honor guard when he was returned of U.S. He was a great guy, classmate and Marine. Visited the wall and touched his name, very emotional time for me. His loss was truly a tremoundous loss for the world, US and the Marines. Semper Fi!

I'm a USAF Vietnam Veteran who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. Tony was a classmate at University of Louisville. I didn't know him well but we were in Navy ROTC together for a time until I dropped it. I well remember the Louisville newspaper photo of his wedding, with the Arch of Sabers, around Christmas, 1965. His death in Vietnam just four months later was shattering news. I've got a small copy of his yearbook photo in our home, located where it's viewed all the time. That kind, gentle countenance causes me to ponder. 50 years ago today, in the prime of life he was sacrificed while I was allowed to live. My wife and I pray often for the repose of his soul.

Remembering a young lieutenant who came into a uniform store in the town of Quantico, Virginia to purchase Marine uniforms. I worked there in the Summers as a teenager. I remember him as friendly and polite. I was shocked when I learned of his death. For some reason he has stayed in my mind for all these years. I was only 17 at the time. I had my daughter do an etching of his name on the Wall and put it in my hope chest. Thank you Lt. Battista for your service and sacrifice.....Rest in Peace