THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

I was working with Sally at Norwood School in Port Jefferson Station.

Dear Lt Ralph Manners, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly, but it is an unusual time. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Can it really be almost 50 years since Ralph Manners was killed in action? As we all so often wonder, “Where has the time gone?” Even though your life was tragically cut short, you impacted so many people and your memory is still honored. My husband knows all about you, Ralph. Our children know who you are. And our grand-kiddos will know you too. The world is a better place because you were in it. God Bless you.

My Dad and I met Ralph and his family while camping on a Lake George island in 1963. For several years after, we occasionally met the Manners family at the lake during our annual August camping trips and were fortunate to become acquainted with Ralph and his fine family. Ralph was a friendly and good-natured guy who treated me, as a younger camper, with deference and kindness. I enjoyed him playing his banjo and singing for his parents, his brother Roy and sister Ann. Ralph was truly a fine person and I always looked forward to seeing him at the lake.

It is no wonder that he is remembered so fondly—now a half century—after his tragic passing. I am sad for the life he lost, as well as for the one he would have had.

America lost one of it’s best.