THE WALL OF FACES

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If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, ansd weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

On 11/11/08 Alan R. Boone will have his named engraved in Gold Star Hall in the Memorial Union at Iowa State University where he once studied.

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

On this beautiful day in Gridley, IL I look out the window and see the mourning sun making shadows across the yard. In the distance I see cars passing on Route 24. Where are they going? What is their business? It is peaceful outside. It brings me a feeling of peace. Then I turn back to the computer screen and am faced with a sad truth. That peace has come at a price. And it is a price that our nation will be forever indebted to. I ask myself why. Why did these brave men and women die for our country? I am left without an answer, but filled with gratitude. Gratitude for each and every soul who fought and died for our country. Gratitude to those who have secured the happiness of so many. God Bless All. I will remember. (Posted as a project of Gridley High School, IL.)