THE WALL OF FACES

*

we will never forget you

Your brother, Bob Miss you!

I was born almost 7 years to the day after Uncle Franci's death and I will always remember seeing his picture hanging above our TV as I was growing up. I thought it was strange how I never saw this person at any of our big family get togethers during the holidays until I asked my Dad one day. As I got older I continued to get tid bits of information of what a great man Uncle Franci was and of the horrible events that occurred on March 5th, 1967 in the Quang Tri province. Just last year (2010) my Dad gave me a great framed picture of him that I had never seen before - he is at a base camp in full gear and he is holding his M-14. It makes me sad that I never got to meet him.

You are still missed to this day and loved. I was only three when you passed away, but was lucky enough to have family that spoke of you often. Growing up, I enjoyed hearing of the pranks you pulled and what a jokester you were. How you hid your black rimmed glasses (several pairs)under a bush and told everyone you kept losing them because you did not want to wear them. How you left my mother lay at the end of your bed when she was scared during the night.

My third child was due on January the 5th, 1995. Grandma thought it would be great if I went over due and delivered him on your birthday, January 19th. I was going to name him Francis Mitchell to honor you since he was due in January, but Grandma said you weren't really fond of the name Francis as you got older and would want Mitch to have it as his middle name instead. Low and behold, Mitchell Francis was born 1:20 a.m. on January the 19th. I remember when Grandma called and was crying because of this miracle. Grandma gave me some things, your purple heart and your marine's manual to pass on to Mitch. I also have a picture you bought Grandma that proudly hangs by my front door of Jesus. This too, will be passed on to Mitch. You would like Mitch. Very bright and a jokester himself. When Grandma was alive, she laughed saying how Mitch reminded her of you.

I sent in a photo of you to this website to honor you for your courage and unselfishness. I wish that you had returned from the war and we had a chance to know each other. I want to say thank you to you and all of the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom . I pray for you, along with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Danny and Uncle Dick.