MERRIMACK – When Tim Gibson was killed six years ago defending his country in Iraq, his mother’s biggest fear was that he would be forgotten. Elaine Gibson now knows that was never a possibility.

“People have told me he’s just unforgettable,” she said, looking around at the friends, family and supporters gathered Saturday for the softball tournament held at the Merrimack American Legion each year to honor her son. The event, held every year since his death, raises money for the scholarship named after Gibson, a 2000 Merrimack High School graduate.

It’s become much more than a fundraiser, his mother said.

“It’s a celebration of his life,” she said.

Those who knew Tim Gibson best said it’s the kind of day he’d have enjoyed: playing softball with friends, enjoying each other’s company, and having a good time.

The lot at the American Legion was overflowing, with parking spilling over across the street.

This year’s event had a special meaning, as state and town officials were on hand to announce the overpass bridge on the F.E. Everett Turnpike at Exit 11, as it intersects with Continental Boulevard, would be named in Gibson’s honor.

Play was stopped around noon, as the sign that will be placed at the bridge was unveiled.

Two of Tim Gibson’s close friends – Mark Woods and Dan Ruggiero – pulled off the white sheet, unveiling the blue sign, reading “Timothy Gibson USMC Memorial Bridge.”

Two signs will be placed on the bridge, so drivers heading north and south will be able to see it.

“For my kids to grow up in this town and see that sign, it’s just amazing,” said Woods, now a father of two, after the ceremony had finished.

Gibson enlisted in the Marines in April 2001 and died in January of 2005, when a helicopter carrying 31 servicemen went down in a sandstorm. The Merrimack native was one of 30 Marines killed in the crash.

A Navy sailor was also killed. Gibson would have turned 30 on Sunday.

Ruggiero now lives in Florida, but has returned to New Hampshire every year to take part in the softball tournament. He does it not only to honor his friend’s memory, but to visit with the Gibson family and see friends. Ruggiero still thinks about Gibson all the time.

“He was a loyal friend, a great friend,” Ruggiero said.

Gary Gahan, a Merrimack resident and Vietnam veteran, first approached Merrimack State Rep. Jeanine Notter about the idea for the bridge dedication when he saw another bridge named after someone. That led to HB525, which was passed unanimously earlier this year. Gahan, who never met Gibson, covered the cost of the signs.

Gibson’s brothers, Tom, 33, and Patrick, 28, were on hand for the tournament and dedication. They remember Gibson as a brother, but also their best friend.

Tom Gibson Sr., Tim’s father, said friends from all over the country come to the softball tournament each year. It’ll keep going until no one wants to do it any more, he said.

Since the scholarship’s creation, the family has been able to raise more than $100,000. The scholarships have gone to students who embody Gibson’s memory: someone with a passion for life and an emotional leader on the field.

One recent scholarship went to a young man who planned to go to firefighter school. Staff at the school are responsible for the selection process.

“Every year, it’s been someone extraordinary,” Gibson’s father said.

Elaine Gibson received a letter from a recipient thanking her and telling her people at Merrimack High School still talk fondly of her son.

Tim Gibson played football and baseball for Merrimack High School. The ping of an aluminum softball bat rang through the air as the games resumed after the dedication ceremony.

When they weren’t playing, friends who hadn’t seen each other since last year’s tournament caught up and, at times, shared memories of Gibson.

“He was a great teammate, a great leader,” said Jarad Marks, one of Gibson’s close friends and a high school teammate.

“I remember his charisma,” said friend Chris Burgess, who was also stationed in Iraq when Gibson was killed. “He was always upbeat. He was friends with everyone. He was like my little brother.”

Elaine Gibson still visits her son’s grave and often finds things left there by people wanting to honor his memory. She’s found several plants, which she takes and grows in her garden at home. Recently, she found a note from a man who had never met her son, but visits the grave every Memorial Day with his family to their respects.

Gibson’s memory lives on in countless ways. John Higgins, one of the softball players Saturday, recently enlisted in the Marines, inspired by the sacrifice Gibson made for his country. While some may have hesitated signing up for the task knowing what happened to Gibson, Higgins, 22, said it didn’t deter him.

“It inspired me even more,” Higgins said.

Michael Brindley can be reached at 594-6426 or mbrindley@nashuatelegraph.com.