Cold rain fell this morning on Jimmy Reddington’s grave, cleansing his aging gray headstone and soaking a soft blanket of grass in the fresh new spring.
Jimmy died 53 years ago today during combat in Vietnam.
In years past, compatriots who served with him when he fell and fought by his side on other savage days in that jungle war, gathered on this day at Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton, Jimmy’s beloved hometown, to pay their respects, reflect on their lives and draw deep lessons from his painful loss.
Others come graveside, as well, invited by these men who knew him best, who still feel sorrow from his death and duty-bound to offer tribute to his youthful courage, oversized personality and boundless energy.
Joe Silvestri and Brad Varney always make the trip.
This year, a different kind of war kept them from jumping in the car and making their pilgrimage from their homes near Philadelphia. As they did when they served with Jimmy, they continue to look after each other and anybody else who needs their care. Like they did in younger years, they look out for others before thinking of themselves, serving their mission to America, always faithful to the cause.
They’re good men.
They’re Marines.
With COVID 19 virus, coronavirus, on the loose, we all must take care of ourselves and each other. No better time exists to honor Jimmy and his legacy. No better time exists to remember that March 23, 1967, day of bloodshed that killed and wounded so many Echo Company, 5th Marine Regiment men.
Shrapnel and bullets severely wounded and almost killed Joe that brutal day. Brad returned to fight another day. Jimmy disappeared forever.
As Joe says, “Jimmy will always be 19 years old.”
That’s why Jimmy Reddington’s monument, a standing headstone and a flat, bronze metal marker secured firmly in the ground, offers us the opportunity to contemplate who and what we are in times of war, peace, love and hatred.
What kind of men and women are we? What and whom do we serve? What are we willing to sacrifice to achieve liberty and justice for all? Will we do what’s right? Will we help others find their way? Will we serve the common good with valor, compassion and truth?
On this sacred somber Monday, Jimmy Reddington’s example endures as a brave symbol of hope that we might find our way together. We stand on this battlefield side-by-side, facing a foe we might only beat if we’re willing to help each other survive.
The gallant ghost of Jimmy Reddington guides us in that fight.
Let us move forward in his name.