12/08/2023
No words to express the depth and true meaning of this. Thank you both for service!
"My father, Master Sergeant William Cox honored one of his Vietnam brothers, First Sergeant James 'Holly' Hollingsworth. They made a pact in Vietnam to stay in touch, if they survived their tour...and they did.
The two were known for their funny antics. Their friendship was unshakeable.
It was towards the end of what was our last visit with Holly that he suddenly grew serious and said, 'W***y, I want you to do something for me.'
Dad said, 'Sure buddy, what?'
That's when Holly asked him to deliver his eulogy. Fighting back tears with a cracking voice, Dad said, 'That's a tough mission, but I'll do my best if that's what you want.'
Holly died a few weeks later.
Dad did what he could to make sure Holly was afforded full military honors. We arrived at the funeral home early and dad had some time to talk with his old friend. After reminiscing for a while, he came to attention, saluted and said softly, 'Stand down, Marine, your mission is completed with outstanding results. Until we meet again.'
Dad took his post beside his old friend and stood for more than 2-hours. He uses a cane to walk and stand, but he refused to do so while in uniform. I saw him sway a couple of times, and fearing he might fall, came to his side to help, but each time he said, 'I got this, son. I got to do this for Holly.'
The next day, we had the funeral and dad gave the eulogy. He had made notes, but at the last minute he decided to just speak from his heart. At the end of the eulogy, he saluted his old friend and said:
'Holly you keep 'em flying, and I'll keep 'em firing!' ❤️🇺🇲
Via: Bill Cox
