Francis Splain, on the right, died a few weeks after the beach-head
at Anzio. Francis fought along side his boyhood Beacon friend, 
Frank Garnot, who sustained badly frozen feet. The following poem 
was written by Francis Splain's mother.

IN MEMORY

In loving memory of our son and brother, Frank T. Splain,
who was killed in action in Italy on Feb. 29th. 1944

"A gold star hangs in our window,
For a son who left us one day,
Not because he wanted to, but a war came,
And made him go far away.

He wrote a letter home every day,
To the ones he left behind,
Hoping and praying for the day to come,
When an armistice would be signed.

But God had other plans it seems,
And thought we know not why,
We were called upon to bid him,
A farewell and fond good-bye.

June, as we affectionately called him,
Was one of the finest lads,
He had a good word for everyone,
And always was happy and glad.

God loaned him to us for nineteen years,
And they were years of bliss,
And then took him up to heaven,
Where there's always happiness.

June dear, how we miss you,
Somehow we feel you know,
And we hope to meet you yonder,
When God says it's time to go."

Mother, Dad and Family