THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Dear PFC Melvin Nishiyama, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman. Your 76th birthday just passed, happy birthday. 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.

Melvin and his younger brother, my older brother and I, were childhood friends. We lived a few houses apart and always played together and were always at each other's home. We never got into trouble. We played and had fun as young boys do, until middle school.
I still live in the house I grew up in and walk my dogs past his house every day. The house is much the same as it was although another family lives there now. They live there, but it's still Melvin's house.
Melvin is in a cozy corner off to the left as you enter Punchbowl. Fitting for a quiet guy like he was.

Dear PFC Melvin Tetsuo Nishiyama, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice 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. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

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

Curt Carter

Melvin is buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.