In memory of Tony... IMMORTALITY Do not stand at my grave and weep... I am not there I do not sleep... I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awake in the morning's hush. I am the swift upflinging rush... of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft star-shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die. --- Text by Mary Frye, 1932 --- February 7, 2003 Tony was such a fantastic guy. I am so blessed to have had him in my life. He was my first love and my best friend. As my rock he gave me love, friendship, trust, confidence and encouragement. When he walked into a room, his smile touched everyone's heart. He was magnetic. This poem was so special to me because shortly after he got orders to go to Vietnam, we were shopping in a card store in New Jersey. Confused and agonizing over the fact that we would be apart for who knew how long, and after being inseparable for the previous six years, Tony walked over and handed me a card. He said, "Babe, this says it all." My parents came to my apartment in Manhattan to break the news of Tony's passing, and then took me home to Marlton, New Jersey with them. The next day I went to that store and found the card that held this poem. We framed it and placed it alongside Tony's coffin. It brought comfort and strength to many of us in those very difficult days. I share it with everyone whose name is on this wall and those who love them, because it seems even more touching when we lose someone so young. I hope it brings comfort and peace to others, even now. All my love, Your Fiance, Rosemary AMChissy@aol.com

 

09 Feb 2003 My Brother, Tony, I have the most wonderful memories of Tony growing up two-and-a-half years behind me, the only (spoiled) boy between two sisters. I remember he had so many friends and fraternity brothers as he went through his high school years. He was on the football team and the girls were crazy about him. It was Rosemary, though, who won his heart. We think of him often, and are still in awe at his courage and bravery when called to duty in Vietnam. He accepted his fate with pride and strength. Like the others on this Wall, of course Tony wanted to return home. I remember Tony telling me, "Rita, we have to go there, because if we don't go there, one day they will come here." It's amazing what insight he had so many years ago, and how it rings true today. It was a true testimonial to him when, after his funeral, we had a "convoy" of cars to the cemetery. There was one problem ... we didn't realize there were over 100 cars and that we should have arranged a police escort. It was simply amazing ... a beautiful tribute of all who knew and loved him. In his honor, Tony has two nephews named after him. Although they never knew him, he will never be forgotten by his family. We continue to keep his memory and life experiences in our day-to-day lives. We're also amazed at the friends and comrades who continue to reach out to us, to share with us how much he meant to them. Tony, we are all so proud of YOUR courage and bravery. OUR very special Marine will be forever in our hearts. Your sister, Rita AMChissy@aol.com

 

19 Feb 2003 Lt. Giretti was my platoon commander in S.Vietnam. He was a fine Marine and officer who was admired and respected by all who served with him. He will be remembered as a Semper Fi Marine always and in all ways. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family. From a friend and former Marine, Robert E. Chatigny chatig9@aol.com

 

March 4, 2003 I attended West Chester University in the mid-sixties to become a teacher. I accomplished my goal. Along the way I met many nice people, none finer than Tony. Tony always impressed me with his energy, kindness and great humor. Bottom line ... he infected us all with his totally awesome "joie de vie"! Always and ever the gentleman, he made the "in between" spaces of our tedious college life fun. Lawrence Hall and "mystery" meals were more enjoyable with Tony's fun antics. He had backup ... Danny, Rog, Bucky, the rest of the football team!! He was a team player and we were all on his team! I had no idea where graduation would lead him. Tony really did not talk much about that. He lived in the here and now. I was a junior the year he graduated from WCU so I faced the sadness of saying "Good-bye" to a dear friend but, also I was happy to know he was going home to his family and a new life as a college grad. The following May, my senior year, it was with great sadness I heard about his death in Vietnam. Not knowing how to reach his family with my condolences left me feeling a sense of unfinished business. This site has enabled me to reach those who knew him best and still may need to know that he is remembered with great affection and respect for how he treated others as well as how bravely he gave his life for his/our country. Tony will always be my famous American hero and be remembered forever by me. Sandy Shannon Leshem WCU/69 28 May 2007 Dear Tony ... Remembering you and your dedication on this Memorial Day 2007. Gone but NEVER forgotten! Lovingly, Sandra From a WCU classmate and friend, Sandra Shanon Leshem 5207 Birch Circle, Wilmington, De 19808 hotteach626@hotmail.com

 

March 19, 2003 Dear Tony, It was on my 3rd birthday that the family received the news of your death. It was a great loss to everyone. My brothers and sisters would tell me stories about you and what a great guy you were. Your Mom (Aunt Theresa) always remembers me on my birthday and holidays by giving me a gift in memory of you. We all miss you very much. It is with great sorrow and regret that I never had the chance to know you. I always felt cheated. Tony, I love you and you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Your Godchild and Cousin Andrea adefino66@aol.com

 

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL poshumously to SECOND LIEUTENANT ANTHONY A. GIRETTI UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 March 1969, during Operation Purple Martin near fire support base Neville in Quang Tri Province, Second Lieutenant Giretti's patrol was preparing to provide security for the eastern flank of the company when his Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms fire and hand grenade attack. Observing that a hostile machine gun emplacement was preventing the advance of his men, Second Lieutenant Giretti completely disregarded his own safety as he rushed across the fire-swept terrain and, armed only with a grenade and a pistol, aggressively assaulted and destroyed the enemy position. As he fearlessly moved toward a second objective, he was seriously wounded and knocked to the ground by small arms fire. Steadfastly determined to continue his attack, he was resolutely attempting to rise when he was mortally wounded by the detonation of a hostile explosive device. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his company's subsequent defeat of the enemy. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Giretti contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. FOR THE PRESIDENT, H. W. BUSE, JR. LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC Three men from Golf 2/4 are known to have died in the engagement described above: 2ndLt Anthony A. Giretti, Baldwin, NY (Silver Star); Pfc Ronnie L. Eckenroad, Beaver Falls, PA (Bronze Star "V"); and Pfc Daniel G. Wessler, Vancouver, WA.

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