THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Sister Mary Shawn Mitchell is touching and reflects her enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Sp4 Joseph Mitchell, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. I researched you on your 72nd birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Halloween. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Joe is buried in my church cemetery. I tend his markers from time to time.

Joseph is buried at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Dyer, Lake County,IN.

Joe grew up on his Grandpa's farm with his parents and siblings. As a boy, Joe enjoyed such things as caring for the farm animals, picking blackberries, playing baseball, and being a Boy Scout. Joe was a friend to everyone. At eighteen he married his sweetheart and looked forward, as he put it, "to living the best life any two people could have." However, like so many who served in Vietnam, Joe was called home all too soon. After having brought a wounded soldier to safety, Joe returned to the battle field in search of another injured comrade and was mortally wounded. The words from St. John's gospel took root in Joe's heart and were given life by his actions, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (Jn. 15:13) We who loved Joe in this life look forward to the day when we will be reunited forever in heaven.