THE WALL OF FACES

Remember Cody from my time working at the Village Inn in Tonica! Cody and others would hang out at the Village Inn from time to time. Such a sad day when we heard of his passing. God Bless You Cody and Thanks So Much for your Service and Sacrifice to our Country!

I am a childhood friend of Cody's. I think of him often, and I visit his grave from time to time. One night, as I lay awake for several hours while Cody was again on my mind, I wrote this. On many a summer day, Cody and I would ride his horses along the country roads where we lived. He was the best childhood friend anyone could have ever had. He has a second cousin who is a well known local musician, who is named after him. I have given him a copy of this, and have asked him to write a song for Cody. I hope we all hear it on the radio someday.

Promises
Oh, I treasure our sun-kissed summer days spent together.
Childhood adventures, brought to life along endless country roads.
Rainbows of wildflowers swayed in the warm breezes
On days that promised to live evermore.

A bond was born between us,
Sealed with smiles and laughter in our eyes.
We shared our dreams of the promises within us
As the rainbows floated above us in the sky.

Days upon days passed between us
As we brought our promises alive.
I found love's treasure, and born a family.
You became a hero, helping freedom thrive.

Then a sun-scorched July day crashed upon me.
Rainbow skies to be nevermore.
Your flag-draped coffin was lowered.
I cried for all the promises that died with you.

You were robbed of life's treasures, unfairly.
Kissing your bride. Holding your child.
Sharing a cold one with a friend.
Watching the sunset from your front porch swing.
Promises denied on the day your dreams died.

A rainbow of wildflowers now sway at your graveside
Near a small white church on our country road.
Your dreams, and their promises, all faded away.
Along with your smile.....forevermore.

Thank you for you service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your childhood friend Beverly Hilton Przystup is poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

Cody, we met a few days after you arrived at c company. We were coming out of Chop Vum and there wasn’t much left of our company. I left the company about March 15/16 and basically lost contact with everyone. But rest assured, you haven’t and never will be forgotten.

Dear PFC Cody Calkins,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. As another summer comes to an end, it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.