For Hershel's family, I will always rememeber him leaving school to fight the war. We were proud of him but scared at the same time. His funeral in South Roxana was one of saddest yet most honorable things I had experienced at that point in my life. Every time I hear of a lost soldier in the wars, I remember Hershel and his intenetions to keep this country safe. He is not forgotten, he is missed and highly respected for his sacrifice for our country. Everytime I hear a 21 gun salute, I tear up and think of Hershel and all the others who have made the sacrifices for our freedom. May the family find peace in knowing we remember. Sue (Hovey) Stutz
Sue Hovey (Stutz)
For Hershel's family, I will always rememeber him leaving school to fight the war. We were proud of him but scared at the same time. His funeral in South Roxana was one of saddest yet most honorable things I had experienced at that point in my life. Every time I hear of a lost soldier in the wars, I remember Hershel and his intenetions to keep this country safe. He is not forgotten, he is missed and highly respected for his sacrifice for our country. Everytime I hear a 21 gun salute, I tear up and think of Hershel and all the others who have made the sacrifices for our freedom.May the family find peace in knowing we remember.
Sue (Hovey) Stutz
John Chavez
When a Soldier WeepsAs steely eyes survey the plains
Of battlefield advantage gains
And comrades fall to left and right
No sign of sorrow, hate, or fright
The gaze seeks out the dangers there
To answer more than with a prayer
He sees potential hazards near
To shield us from the deadly spear
No emotions show, as if in death
Even, measured, cold, calm breath
While danger lurks he stands his ground
And utters no uncertain sound
When battles one and all secured
The loss of friends so much endured
An unknowing nation rests in sleep
The time is right for him to weep
I’ve seen the times when soldiers cry
It’s not the moment when comrades die
In the heat of battle he knows no pain
But gathers strength to fight again
As danger lurks his eyes are dry
He’s too engaged to stop and cry
When battles fade and peace is won
The soldiers knows his duty’s done
When poems are read and taps are played
When flags are planted in the glade
With slow salutes as no one speaks
Then tears erode the soldier’s cheeks
By R.J. Chavez