THE WALL OF FACES

Nor shall your glory be forgot; While fame her record keeps, Or honor points the hallowed spot; Where valor proudly sleeps.

Dear Lcpl Gregory Vandewalle, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. POW/MIA Recognition Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I think of you often Greg. I saw you for the last time in Austin, maybe 66?
You are a better man than me Greg.

IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN NEAR THE BELL TOWER, GREG'S NAME IS NOW JOINED WITH ALL THE MEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES DEFENDING FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY. GREG WAS GIVEN THIS HONOR DURING AN UNVEILING CEREMONY 50 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH. HIS SISTERS WERE PRESENT TO EXPERIENCE THIS HONOR WITH TEARS OF JOY AND PAIN OVER HIS LOSS. THANK YOU TO THE THE ST MARY'S ROTC DIVISION FOR THIS HONOR OF GREG'S SACRIFICE. HE TOUCHED MANY LIVES DURING HIS SHORT 21 YEARS ON EARTH. NOW HE LIVES ON FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND VISITORS OF THE CAMPUS AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR ON GREGS BEHALF.

My name is Gregory. I proudly bear that name. I was born Sept 3, 1967 a year and a few months after Uncle Greg died fighting for his country. I often wonder what it would have been like had I gotten to meet and know Uncle Greg. I have heard many things from family and friends and I can't help but think he would have been my favorite uncle. My dad describes him in a way that I think are similar traits to some of my own. Yesterday we attended a ceremony where his name was placed on a stone honoring those St. Mary's University alumni who died serving the USA. Although Uncle Greg was not a graduate of St. Mary's University, he did attend there and was well loved by many of his classmates there. I love you Uncle Greg and I look forward to meeting you In Heaven.