THE WALL OF FACES

I lived with my family in Scituate RI… in the center of town from 1993-2012. My two boys grew up there. We would take walks in the quiet little cemetery on the fringe of town bordering the Scituate Reservoir.
One day I noted that a Vietnam Veteran was buried there… Joseph Nimiroski… and he was killed in 1965, one of the earliest casualties.
My 2 young boys and I would oftentimes care for the grave site and when the internet was new, we researched “our veteran”. He was part of Operation Harvest Moon.

We found out he was born in Attleboro Mass, Nimiroski is a prominent name in Attleboro and it was a mystery to us why Joe was buried in Scituate.

I found myself in Washington DC recently and had some time to spare… I decided to visit the Vietnam Memorial and find Joe’s name. With the help of a volunteer, a veteran himself, we found Joe’s position on the Wall.

I never knew Joe, but he will always be our family’s adopted veteran.

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Dear Cpl Joseph Nimiroski, Thank you for your service as a Mortarman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It’s a New Year, but not necessarily better. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear American Hero,

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.

Curt Carter (son of Sgt Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne, February 4, 1966, South Vietnam)

Joe was warm, kind, and loving. He had a deep sense of commitment to family and his country. He married on Nov. 8,1965 and he was killed on Dec. 18,1965 in the battle at Que Son during 'Operation Harvest Moon.' In 46 years Christmas has never been the same.