Re “Hearts Beat More Slowly When a Son of Promise Dies in War”
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Diane Agate, Linda Ferrara, Laura Viti, Mario Ferrara and in front, Mike Viti
Dateline Torrance – Since the front door was open wide and a barbecue had been advertised, we walked in, even though we never had been here before.
The only home on the block with a large American flag fluttering in the South Bay breeze, Diane noticed.
Entering the kitchen, Linda Ferrara, whom we never had seen or met, promptly recognized Diane and me, and graciously welcomed us.
After seven years, we were finally were greeting the lady behind the kindest, most generous words and feelings ever exchanged between strangers.
In the coming weeks, you will come to know the extraordinary Linda and Mario Ferrara. Their U.S. Army son Matt, 24 years old, was killed in Afghanistan in 2007. Theirs is a story of raising five unusually handsome children with moral values to cope with life’s worst and how to achieve life’s best.
Meeting for the first time, what do you say, comfortingly, to parents who have lost a son – even though this is a party setting and seven years have withered away?
We soon learned not to be a drop hesitant.
The weekend occasion was a trumpeting moment for our country on the eve of America’s 238th birthday.
Less than a week before the Fourth of July, Mario and Linda Ferrara invited those who have lost loved ones in combat to meet a remarkable young American.
In the coming days, you will get acquainted with 28-year-old Mike Viti, a strapping West Point graduate, the quintessential patriot (http://www.mikeshikingforheroes.com).
He is performing an unprecedented feat that should be celebrated by proud Americans.
Mr. Viti quit his lofty job to devote this year to running 7,100 kilometers across America – from Seattle to Philadelphia – to honor the 7,100 victims of the global war on terror. Every kilometer is dedicated to a new person, whose name is charted on a flag.
His riveting eloquence will make you grateful that you are an American and that he is, too.
Do not forget them – Mario Ferrara, Linda Ferrara, Mike Viti. They never have forgotten you.
(To be continued)
