THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SP4 Michael Lynn Alford, 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

Michael, we first played together when we were neighbors on San Mateo St. in grade school. I remember watching Sheriff John and The Lone Ranger at your house. When you moved to the old house on Brookside across from the Brookside Dairy, we had fun there too. I remember rolling down the slope in your front yard in a cardboard refrigerator box and the crazy man who lived on the corner in the orange grove. We were in the youth group together at the Methodist Church, where I recall your funeral service at Weeks hall. My parents are burried at Hillside Cemetary not far from you. I still visit you. You are a part of my childhood roots and will never be forgotten. I now work at Camp Pendleton counseling Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I hear their stories daily and think of you often.

We were neighbor kids together on Sherwood Street. You are carried in our hearts for all time.
Until we meet again -

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. 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 hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

Michael is buried at Riverside Nat Cem. He was a member of HHC, 2 BN,3 INF REG, 199 INF BDE.