THE WALL OF FACES

Alexander is buried at Furnaceville Cemetery, Wayne County, NY.

Much like Wendy, I never met the man whom my father called his best friend. Because Alex lost his life in Vietnam, I have come to know him through stories and black and white childhood photographs that my father shared with me. These photographs, although very special, have come to symbolize a childhood and an innocence lost. Because of that,I continually searched for a way to honor Alex & a way to give Vietnam its proper place in my father's life. I am not really sure if that is possible but recently, through an act of fate, I found Wendy's father. Alex seemed to add a bit of color to the lives of those he met. Hopefully, my father and Terry can meet. Hopefully, they can share stories of Alex and fill in the gray areas. And hopefully, those black and white childhood photographs coupled with home movies can live again in vibrant colors. Colors that symbolize the life that Alex brought to my Dad and Terry.

I never met Alex, and yet I feel I have always known part of him and missed him. He was my Dad's (Terry Forgacs) best friend. All of my life I have known the date of April 2, 1966 just as I have known the birthdates of my family. Alex had a tremendous impact on my Dad's life and therefore, on mine. I have seen home movies that they took when they were in San Diego. I had always thought of Alex as a friend of my Dad's and as a result, pictured him the same age as Dad. It really struck me when I first saw the movies. He was just a boy. He missed so much. And yet, he made such a difference. Whenever I am in D.C. I always go to the Wall to see Alex. I also take the opportunity to thank any Vet that I see. For all I know, my Dad is alive because of him. I am sorry to have never had the chance to meet Alex, but thank him everyday for the gift he gave us all.
--Wendy Kazak

I first met Alex in boot camp and we were together until the day of his death. I always have a toast to him on that day and think of him constantly. He was a good man and a good marine and I miss him still
Terry Forgacs