THE WALL OF FACES

The Archdiocese of the Military Services celebrated a Memorial Mass on the Sunday of Armed Forces Weekend (17 May 2009) for members of the Armed Forces who died on active duty. The Military Vicar sent out a request for names that they might be included in this Memorial Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The Bishop Amat Military Memorial Steering Committee (BSC) submitted the name of Corporal Joel M. Sabel, in addition to the names of the six other Bishop Amat Fallen Heroes, for this Mass. The Military Vicar’s office confirmed that Corporal Sabel’s name was on the altar at the Shrine for this Memorial Mass. Depicted above is a picture of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. on the grounds of Catholic University. Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, Amen. May he Rest in Peace, Amen. May his soul and all the souls of the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace, Amen.

Today marks the 42d anniversary of the death in Vietnam of SP4 Joel Michael Sabel. He was an Amat Lancer. He died giving life-saving medical aid to his fellow paratroopers from the 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate). He is a posthumous recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism in combat and devotion to duty.

" We few,we happy few,we band of brothers;for he today that shed his blood with me shall be my brother."

Joel and I were classmates in both grammar and high school. We were both teammates on the 1st football squad at Amat. He was always a good friend, teammate and especially an admirable person. His death in a horrific war broke my heart. I'll never forget you Joel. God bless!

On Monday, 3 November 2008, members of the "Amat Family" of Bishop Amat Memorial High School, La Puente, CA completed a 54-Day Rosary Novena for the happy repose of the soul of CPL Joel Michael Sabel. Joel was an Amat Lancer from the Class of 1961. The Rosary Novena, begun on 11 September, was part of the Spiritual Element of the overall Bishop Amat Military Memorial initiative underway for Joel and 6 other Amat Lancers.

Members of the Bishop Amat Military Memorial (BAMM) Committee encourage Joel's Amat 1961 Classmates and others who knew Joel to check the Amat website:

http://www.bishopamat.org/Articles.aspx?ArticleID=360

or contact me directly to find out more about the Memorial Project. May Joel Rest in Peace.