THE WALL OF FACES

I don't know if I have the correct words to say at this exact moment but I will try. I remember you but I never knew you really. No one from our family ever told me anything about you. My mom never mentioned you as I grew older. I do know that she loved you and carried the pain of your death until she too left me a few years ago. I searched records both private and public. I even got your military records. But nothing told me who you really were.

All of those that could have and should have share who you were and what you accomplished have since pass on and left nothing but more questions. Sadly, I know no more now than when I started so many years ago. Why was there so much secrecy? I guess I will never know. And well, I guess I can say now, it no longer matters. But your legacy should have meant more to them if only to ensure I knew who and what you, my father, was all about. They took that from me. And it was wrong of all of them.

I am now the last and your story will end with me as your name is never mentioned beyond my thoughts. I wish I could do and say more. But I have nothing to give value or context to the person and father you were. It was never shared with me. In my mind, you exist, but only as a figure in a doorway and a faded old newspaper clipping on the bedroom wall that spoke of your death. You deserved more. So, I can only hope that at least you rest well father. Until my next lifetime. Rest well,
Your son,

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Never forgotten.

GARRYOWEN