THE WALL OF FACES

Gene Christer was my step-brother. My mother married his father, Nick Christer, in the late 1960's when Gene was a teenager. This was a rather tumultuous creation of a family and Gene was drafted soon after. He was killed shortly after arriving in Vietnam on his 20th birthday. Gene was an only child and had lived most of his life in Salinas, California. I only met him a couple of times but came to know him after his death as I used his story in an 8th grade history unit on Vietnam that I taught. His story was told to many young people in my classes in the 1990's and until I retired in 2005.

I kept his medals, a couple of letters he wrote from Vietnam and a small wallet size picture of him in his army uniform.

And then out of the blue a couple of weeks ago I received an e-mail from Doug Elliot, who has also posted on this site, and learned that Gene did have family members on the East coast. We have been in touch and have begun sharing our memories and I was astounded to find out that over the years he and I both had been involved in activities honoring this young man who died serving his country. I will also send along to the Vietnam Memorial Fund the picture I have of Gene. I look forward to visiting the Education Center at the Wall when it is completed.

We are cousins and knew each other as children but my family moved to the east coast so didn't see each other much...he was an only child and I believe I am one of the few remaining relatives. If you knew him please contact me. Thank very you!

Eugene is buried at Garden of Memories Salinas,CA. BSM-OLC PH

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