THE WALL OF FACES

Great sadness fills our hearts today
As pipes and drums, in slow march play.
A comrade’s fallen by the way,
And now we say goodbye.

This hero to the very end
Was more than just a casual friend,
Who would a stranger’s life defend,
And now we say goodbye

But we shall cherish, all our days,
The character this life portrayed
With sacrifice so freely made,
And now we say goodbye.

The hand salute, o’er Stars and Stripes,
And distant skirl of highland pipes,
Bid last farewell with hero’s rights,
And now we say goodbye.

While here on Earth, you gave your best.
Now in the Master’s arms you rest.
T’is by your memory we are blessed.
And now we say goodbye.

I was a friend of Peter and his younger brother Alex since 1958. Peter was a natural leader and the head of our small group. Peter showed the world a tough exterior, but inside was really passtionate and caring of others. When my younger sister Terry was hit by a car on busy Douglas Ave in front of Perer's home, he ran into traffic and pulled her to safety. I worked with Peter on his paper route. After delivering the Sunday papers, Peter would use a hot iron to smooth out all the dollar bills before bringing them to the paper office to settle the bill. We would then head around the corner to the New York System for breakfast. Peter did not die in his first month in-country. He was wounded and received The Purple Heart. He completed his 1-year tour but extended for six months so he could be discharged from the Army six months early.
I received news of Peter's death in a letter from mother as I was about to deploy with the Navy for what would become the first of three six month deployments in the combat zone. It is sad that we
will never know what Peter could have become or how he could have helped his family.

Dear Sgt Peter Syintsakos, Thank you for your service as an Administrative Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Another summer is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Peter and I were high school friends, I went to Vietnam from June 1967 to June 1968. Peter and I just happened to run into each other at the USO. We had something to eat and went on our ways. A week later Peter was killed. I think of him everyday.

Dear SGT Peter Charles Syintsakos, 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