THE WALL OF FACES

I grew up in a neighborhood in Galveston Texas. It had all boys. I was sure to marry one and be happy for the rest of our lives. One day a boy named John caught my eye and he caught my eye. I think we fell in love that very moment. He told me where he lived. It was just around the corner from my gramas house where I lived with my great grandfather,grandmother,
grandfather, mother and sister. We lived on an island in the gulf of Mexico. Many generations lived in homes those days it was wonderful. I guess I thought John and I would marry, have kids and add 1 more plate at the dinner table. Being young and good kids we approached our love in a special way, only holding hands. John would come over nightly. We would sit on the swing on my grandparents long porch down from gramas huge collection of her cactus garden. We could feel the soft breeze coming from the gulf of Mexico and hear the sweet sound of the leaves on the 200 year old oak tree. And we looked into each other's eyes and we smiled. One of the most beautiful I've ever seen. We talked and laughed at stupid stuff. We were well behaved as we both knew my Italian grama was just on the other side of the tall window positioned behind us. We did not care. We were good kids. I anxiously awaited his visits and tried not to show it. I was so very happy. Those are my precious memories. One night John came over as he nightly did. But something was different. His walk was not as quick as usual. His smile was missing. He had eyes that told me something is wrong. Did he stop loving me and wanted to tell me face to face as gentlemen did. I was so scared I could feel the swing shaking beneath me. John softly sat beside me and clutched my hand. Did I do something wrong? Are you okay? Is your family okay? John looked in my eyes with intensity I never saw of him and he said as his voice quivered I've been drafted. I think I died for a moment. I said join the Navy and he replied it's too late. He went away. I called his mom and said John had not written me. She replied he's dead. I think about him every day.

John and I bwere good friends while serving in The USMC Camp Elmore Norfolk Va in 1966 67. John was a terrific young man and Marine Brother and I remember him telling me that I should write to his sister Sarah who was living in Galveston Tx. Its been so many years and I thought of him today and was trying to serch of his sister not know if she is alive and how I could rech her. If someone know please reach out to me Anthony Totolo 480-227-1057 or [email protected]

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Paula is poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever.

Lance Corporal John Bingham Booth, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Third Marine Amphibious Force.