Photo from 2017 shows 83-year-old retired marine Sgt. William H. Cox standing guard for his buddy, Sgt. James ‘Hollie’ Hollingsworth one last time.

[Shekinah Brama]

Photo from 2017 shows 83-year-old retired Marine Sgt. William H. Cox standing guard for his buddy, Sgt. James ‘Hollie’ Hollingsworth one last time. The pair first met while hiding from rockets and mortars in a bunker in 1968. In the bunker, the two men made a pact. The pact was that if they both survived the war, they would contact one another every year on New Year’s Eve for a chat. They continued that tradition for the next 5 decades.

Once upon a time, in the tumultuous year of 1968 during the throes of war, two young men found themselves huddled together in a makeshift bunker, seeking refuge from the relentless onslaught of rockets and mortars. Among the chaos and fear, an unbreakable bond was forged between them.

On one side stood Sgt. William H. Cox, an 83-year-old retired marine with a spirit as resilient as his ironclad determination. On the other side stood Sgt. James ‘Hollie’ Hollingsworth, a fellow soldier, and a trusted friend whose loyalty knew no bounds. Together, they faced the horrors of war, their lives forever entwined by the crucible of battle.

In that dark and perilous bunker, as the deafening sounds of warfare echoed around them, the two men made a solemn pact. A pact that would transcend time and distance, carrying their friendship through the annals of history. With clasped hands and hearts full of hope, they vowed that if they both survived the ravages of war, they would reunite every year on the eve of the New Year.

As the war eventually drew to a close, they emerged from the depths of that bunker, forever changed by their experiences but bound by an unwavering commitment to one another. They went their separate ways, embarking on new chapters of their lives, but the promise they made in that bunker remained steadfast.

Year after year, on the cusp of every New Year’s Eve, the two soldiers found solace in their shared tradition. Regardless of where life took them, they always made time for that special moment, a moment to reflect on their past, to cherish their enduring camaraderie, and to celebrate their survival amidst the trials of war.

With each passing year, their bond deepened, and the memories they shared grew richer like the finest aged wine. Their conversations were filled with laughter, tears, and the wisdom that can only be earned through a lifetime of shared experiences.

The world around them changed, and time marched on, but the essence of their friendship remained timeless. They witnessed history unfold, and they saw new generations rise to take their place. Through joy and sorrow, victories and losses, they stood united, always connected by that sacred promise they made in the shadows of a distant past.

And so, in the year 2017, a poignant photograph captured the essence of their enduring bond. It showed Sgt. William H. Cox, now a seasoned veteran of life, standing guard for his dear friend, Sgt. James ‘Hollie’ Hollingsworth, one last time. The photograph, more than just a snapshot in time, encapsulated the profound love and respect these two warriors had for each other.

As the years continue to pass, and their story echoes through the annals of history, the tale of these two brave soldiers reminds us of the power of friendship and the indomitable spirit of the human heart. Through war and peace, they found in each other a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope, proving that even in the darkest of times, the bonds we form can illuminate our lives and stand the test of time.

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