THE WALL OF FACES

Specialist Four Nicholas Frank Cerrato, Served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

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's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Nick, I was ver good friends with your brother Frank. Yours was the first funeral I ever attended. Seeing you really made me think as a young girl. You were a hero. A very young and handsome “boy”. Dressed in your Dress Whites , your head bandaged, and you had clear glass over you and across your casket. Frank and I were only 14 at the time. When I went to Washington D.C in 1988 for President Kennedy’s 25th Anniversary of his assassination the first thing I did was go to the wall and find you. A hero.

I remember my cousin as a young girl. Was heart broken when I heard he died on leaving to come home so I was told by my parents. He received the purple heart. Such a hero to have done his best. I love him so. RIP

Dear Sp4 Nicholas Cerrato,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. You were close to DEROS, sigh. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.