THE WALL OF FACES

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Platoon 123. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on April 3, 1968.

Thank you for your service to our great country my brother. Semper Fi.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear LCPL Michael Angel Torres, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

HELLO MICHAEL, YES I NEVER MET YOU BUT SAW YOU FROM AFAR, EVEN AT 10 I NOTICED HOW HANDSOME IN UNIFORM YOU WERE AND YES I WAS YOUR NEIGHBOR IN GARDENA CALIFORNIA. YOUR SWEET MOTHER SEWED ALL MY FORMALS FOR NORTH HIGH AND I REMEMBER YOUR HANDSOME PICTURE HANGING ON THE WALL WHILE I RECEIVED MY FITTINGS. YES EVEN THEN, I THOUGHT HOW SAD TO LOSE A SON SO YOUNG AT 19. I REMEMBER YOUR FATHER STEVE WALKING HOME EVERYDAY FROM THE 7UP COMPANY AND THE SMALL BUT BIG GIFTS HE WOULD GIVE TO MY BROTHERS AND I, A BOTTLE OF 7UP! I FELT FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY THE SACRIFICE THEY GAVE AND WHAT YOU GAVE. MY FAMILY SOLD THE HOUSE A FEW YEARS AGO AND I RECENTLY WENT TO YOUR HOUSE AND A NEIGHBOR INFORMED ME YOUR SWEET MOTHER WENT TO A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY. THESE ARE MY MEMORIES OF GREAT NEIGHBORS. SO, MY LAST MEMORY OF YOU WAS WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10 AND REMEMBER THE BLACK GOVERNMENT CAR PULLING AROUND OUR STREET AND UNIFORMED MEN GOING UP TO YOUR HOUSE AND EVEN AT THAT AGE I KNEW THEY WERE THERE BECAUSE OF THE PICTURE ON THE WALL. WE WERE ALL SADDEN FOR WE ALL FELT LIKE FAMILY! SO ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOU AND THE TORRES FAMILY FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE! AND THE IMPACT IT LEFT ON MY HEART. FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!