THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

and don't particular remember you but had heard your name before in school. Happened across the first mention of your last full measure of devotion in a copy of the Army Times while on R&R. Though I didn't know you personally I totally respect the sacrifice you made in the service of our country and for the cause of freedom.

I came home one day to find a large stuffed tiger sitting on my bed but instead of being excited it made me cry.
When I was a little girl I lived with an amazing woman who had a large stuffed tiger that sat at the end of her bed. Every morning she got up and off to work her bed was made and the tiger was there. I thought it was strange until she told me why it meant so much to her. You won it at a carnival for her before you went off to fight in the war. I can't look at a tiger without thinking of you.
Christine loved you. All these years and she still loves you and she still has that stuffed tiger. Its funny how children find their understanding. I "understood",
as a child, you were someone very important to her but you weren't there. I understood her heart was lonely without you and from that tiger sitting on her bed I understood the magic in how to keep someone even after their gone.
When my husband bought me my tiger I thought of you and Christine. I thought of how deeply and sincerely she loves you and I hope with all my heart that her tiger someday belongs to me.
Although we've never met you have a special place in my heart because we both love her with all of ours.
Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day you are the first person I think of- "I wish Mitch was here" is my thought because the most special person I've ever had in my life has lived all of hers missing you but still managed to love me. I was blessed because I really needed it.
Thank you for loving her Mitch. Although we've never met, I love you too.
You are not forgotten and never will be.

Made it to your grave last summer for the first time since the funeral. It was harder than I thought it would be. But I remembered how you loved Christine,(Pokey),and how we fooled her into thinking my name was Sam Jones! I miss you Buddy, and won't forget.

Going to WCJC in 1966 I met Mitch. An amazing happy go lucky buddy closer than a brother. He tried to talk me out of joining Marines. He was afraid I’d get myself killed. And here I am in 2021 with tears in my eyes remembering a man that always thought of others first. Dammit Mitch! I still miss you.