A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Remembering Jack Reinke
We first heard that Jack would be returning from his service in Vietnam in late March. But two days before his deployment ended he was killed in April of 1968.
Jack would have celebrated his 70th birthday this year and next April, in 2018, he will have been dead for 50 years.
Jack and his brother Jim, were cousins, older by 3-4 years, our families often visited, and it was always such fun. They had toy trucks, baseball cards, and model airplanes hung and floating from their bedroom's ceiling, nothing like the toys a little girl owned.
His remains were returned in a casket with a glass cover, sealed from his waist to his face, to permit viewing.
Jack would have celebrated his 70th birthday this year and next April, in 2018, he will have been dead for 50 years.
We often do not think about or thank those who so lovingly prepare the bodies of our fallen service heroes, so their families can see them and say their final good-byes. But we should. Because those men and women must have suffered to perform this final service of love and dignity.
We honor the service of our soldiers and the sacrifices they have made for us.
Rest in peace, Jack.
This story is part of Stories About The Tet Offensive. Go to the collection.
Story Themes: 1968, Combat, Corinne Monjeau-Marz, Cottage Grove, Death and Loss, Family, Jack Reinke, Memorial, Reflection, Relationships, Tet Offensive