THE WALL OF FACES

Frankie was my next door neighbor on Stanton St. in Philadelphia. I am the youngest of eight so he was friends with my eldest sister Nancy and others. As a teen ager I remember Frankie picking up for me when I ruined a long pass play in touch football and was getting yelled at by someone in their teens/twenties. Frankie told him basically shut up and leave me alone. I do remember him in Uniform on the steps my family shared with his family.This had to be on his way from Cuba to Vietnam. He volunteered and fought so that kids like me ended up not having to go to war at 18. I'll never forget him and every one of my brothers and sisters ( 4 older brothers served in the 60's & early 70's). remember him. My sister Nancy before her death had told grandchildren, her children not to ever for get Frank Pennetti.

Dear LCPL Francis Pennetti, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Semper Fi, Marine.

This marine was my next-door neighbor. He was from a large Catholic family and was close friends with my older brothers and sisters.I was only seven years old when he had been killed in action.I'll never forget this man. I was a kid and remember Frankie Pennetti as a teenager without swagger,
kind to all and protective of those weaker or smaller. God bless him and his family for the sacrifice taken from them. He was 19 years old(birthday is in June,he was KIA in January) when killed in Quang Tri,near Khe Sanh in what is known as the "hill fights" imediately prior to the Tet Offensive and the siege of Khe Sanh. He was killed by artillery/mortar fire on January 24, 1968.

In Gratitude,
Patrick M. Dwyer
US Navy

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932