THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Dear Sp4 Michael Viehweg, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart . Autumn has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

You are a hero that tried to save a fellow soldier and was awarded the Silver Star.

Mike was my squad mate so many years ago....so many memories about him come up, funny, always talking about great hamburgers he ate back in Chicago, always with a joke. a smile and always, always there to listen to others tell their tales, about girlfriends, homes and with Mike, hopes and dreams for when he would be back in The World.

The last minutes remembered of him was Mike reacting to the word of another squad buddy, Lewis Ogle, being hit in front of us in a close in firefight and he got up and ran to help....his last act of courage and dedication to others.

Thanks for the friendship, still felt over fifty years ago Mike.
Jay

Specialist Four Michael Viehweg, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.