THE WALL OF FACES

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 sunlight 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.

Dear Lt David Siverly, Thank you for your service as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander - Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Winter will end soon. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

It's been 47 years since that terrible day. Although I never met you I,m sure you must have been a good man. I know your daughters have missed you as much as I have missed my dad. Thank you for being his friend.

Dear 1LT David Lee Siverly, 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

I remember David from sixth grade, I think it was, when the Oakville school kids had to come to Wapello due to the flooding around Oakville somewhere but it might have been fifth grade. We all thought he was so good looking and, more important, the most polite boy we had ever met. I think he only attended our school for that one year, or maybe even part of it, but he was smart, really good looking and very nice. I took my parents to visit his grave in Edwards Cemetery one year on Memorial Day. I had been deeply saddened years before then to hear of his death, and for what? I still am not sure.

Was the book mentioned here published? What is its title? Where can I get a copy of it to read? One of the libraries in Louisa Co? I would love to read it as I read everything I can about the brave soldiers who gave their all in that 'dirty little war' as it was known at the time. Such bravery, such horrible conditions, so many good men lost. I knew a lot who went there including my own brother and have known many more as vets, a lot of them 'broken.'

I shall never forget David nor the Wapello boys I knew who also did not make it back alive. Several years ago I noticed that his name was not on the monument near Grandview, so I spoke to Dick Grimm who made sure that it got put on there. Bless all their hearts forever.