THE WALL OF FACES

Yesterday was February 5th and I remembered meeting your siblings at the Vietnam Wall some years ago while working as Yellow Hat volunteer. They had a picture of you on a stand and I stopped and asked. They told me your story and it has stayed in my heart since. As a Vietnam Vet that was in country on the day you were taken I often think of what life should have been for you. I’ve been privileged to live and experience my life, but I hurt for those we have lost and those that were so severely wounded. Even though we never met you will be thought of until I pass on. I just wish I could have welcomed you home. Rest in Pease.

Welcome Home.

HOOAH

In 1989 I was out from California, touring Washington DC with my Boy Scout troop en route to the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia. Our troop was staying at the dormitories at Georgetown University. I didn't know when in my life I would be back in the capital, and because of this I took it upon myself to go to the places that I thought were important. Over the course of our stay, being the rebellious and truth seeking youth that I was, I would sneak out of the dormitory at night and visit various places that were not part of our planned itinerary. One late night, I happened upon a POW-MIA booth and stopped to talk to the gentleman there. I learned a lot from that late night talk with that veteran. Before I left the booth, I purchased a book about the Vietnam Memorial and later the man offered me a gift to express his appreciation for stopping by and talking with him. He presented me with a red aluminum bracelet which identified a person who was a POW-MIA. I read the name on the bracelet, Sergeant Joseph Andrew Matejov. I put the bracelet on my wrist, and walked on to visit the memorial. It is hard to put into words, what is was like being at the Wall in the middle of the night, walking amongst the mourners and candle lights, but I will never forget the sense of awe and compassion that I felt. When I returned to the dormitory, I was so moved that I sat on the floor in the hall way, and read the book about the Vietnam War that I had purchased earlier that night. As I read, I found myself drawn to feeling the inscribed name on the bracelet. Over a few hours, I read the book and cried more that I ever have in all the combined years of my childhood. My heart and soul were both lifted and broken, and my view of the world forever changed. I fell asleep in that hallway and when they found me in the morning and asked why I was sleeping in the hallway, I didn't have the words to explain. I carried that bracelet with me for many years, remembering that experience. Today I remember again, and write. I am forever thankful of my journey back then and continue to say a prayer for Joseph and his family.

I, too, have his bracelet and wore it for years until it broke. He has been in my heart and prayers since the 1970's. God bless him and all of those who went before and will go after in defense of our wonderful nation. Thank you hardly seems enough. I am so glad he was found, identified, and returned home.

On the remembrance of your 69th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH