LETTER: Wilmington Veterans Department Thanks Community For Their Support Of John Edwinson Jr.

Dear Editor,

On Saturday, April 26th, the Town of Wilmington laid to rest one of their own. A true American hero. Corporal John E. “Eddie” Edwinson, Jr. served with Able Company, First Battalion, 7th Marines. He was killed in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the 24th of September, 1942.

The Edwinson Family was honored and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the entire Wilmington community, who lined the rainy streets to pay their respects to a man who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of his country, and was returned home nearly a century later.

An occasion such as this could not have been possible without the effort, coordination, and sense of honor displayed by so many. Thank you to the United States Marine Corps GySgt Grajales, Benny R. for escorting John home. A heartfelt thank you is owed to the entire United States Marine Corps, whose presence and ceremonial detail provided a truly dignified and honorable farewell for Corporal Edwinson.

Thank you to Town Manager Eric Slagle and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Gregory B. Bendel for your moving words on Saturday. Thank you to Reverend Hey and Scott Ness for the beautiful service. As always, thank you to Margaret and the entire staff at Nicholas Funeral Home for their professionalism and partnership. Thank you to Alegra Farm for the beautiful horse-drawn caisson, a distinguished and noble escort for Corporal Edwinson. And many thanks are in order to the Wilmington Police and Fire Departments and their Honor Guards, Wilmington Police Explorers, Wilmington DPW and Cemetery Departments, Massachusetts State Police, Military Friends Foundation, Wilmington VFW and American Legion Post, Home Depot, Patriot Guard Riders, Yankee Line Bus co., Diana at Floral Dreams, North Shore Vault Co., Dan Ross engraving, Local Heroes Inc., Michael Jones and the Local Heroes High School Club, Boston Prayer Card Co., and the bagpipers from the Irish American Police Officers Association Pipes & Drums. I would be remiss if I did not also thank Mike Frotten and Patti Meehan in the Veterans’ Service office of Wilmington.

But most importantly, we would like to thank all the residents of Wilmington that came out to honor Corporal Edwinson on Thursday and Saturday. Thank you to all who stood with us, who stood with the Edwinson family, and who continued to stand for the traditions and values that define Wilmington. We will never forget. As I have said many times, the Town of Wilmington is a special place to live, for so many reasons. We truly respect, remember, and honor the brave men and women who serve in the military, with a particular reverence for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We in the Department of Veterans are honored to work with veterans and their families every day. When those same veterans can turn around to see an entire town standing in support of them, it makes us immeasurably proud. It lets our heroes know that their service is recognized and appreciated, whether they’re active duty, or they’re coming back home to rest, 82 years after they left.

Louis Cimaglia IV
Director
Wilmington Veterans Services