HONORING OUR VETERANS!
Both of my paternal grandfathers were born in 1862, a year after the Civil War erupted, Wiley Williams and Gilbert Kendrick. They both likely had fathers, uncle and older brothers who fought in that war. Their childhoods were marked by the tumultuous aftermath of a divided nation, yet they would later witness their descendants fight for a united America.
My Grandmother, Moma Delia, with a heart full of pride, spoke of her brother Milton Kendrick, who stood tall during World War I. My Grandfather Popa Charlie, had two brothers, Bland and Sampson Williams, who were drafted into the same war, bound by duty and a shared commitment to defend liberty.
World War II brought a new chapter as three of our uncles—Charles Edward Williams (Tank Commander), PFC Robert Williams, and Wiley Gilbert Williams—embarked on a journey into history. They served with hope and determination, bridged the physical distance from the family across the oceans.
Uncle Milton also had two sons that were in the military. Gilbert Kendrick and Milton Kendrick Jr. On August 6, 1945 at 8:15 a.m. Gilbert was on a ship in the ocean outside Japan when the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima marking the turning point of WWII. Later that week they would drop anchor and he would carry out his transportation duties for the U.S Army.
In the Korean War, my father Joseph Williams, would tell of how the smallest men were entrusted with the biggest guns. His stories, with a blend of humor painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced away in a foreign country.
As time marched forward, the family continued to contribute to the defense of freedom. Vietnam, Iraq War, and Desert Storm saw the emergence of new heroes. Frank Henderson joined the Marines, Robert Chester Williams, Wiley Jerome Stewart, Gwendolyn Williams, Charles Laskey, Paul Williams, Samuel Simpson and Lieutenant Gilbert Alfred Kendrick —each carried the torch, facing the trials of modern conflicts as they served in the Army.
Wiley (Jerome), with the weight of memories, would recount the unpredictability of war. Over a hill, they would meet allies, only to learn days later that those same troops had faced heavy losses. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of life on the battlefield.
Gwen, breaking barriers with her communication skills, navigated the challenges the Army presented. Her journey reflected not only personal resilience but also the changing landscape of women in the military.
The family tree extended to include spouses and children who stood in solidarity who are Veterans. Aunt Tut’s husband, Frank Henderson, Annie Bee’s husband, Mirchal Bray, James’ wife Tracy, and their daughter, and Annette’s husband, Tommie Slaughter—all became integral parts of the legacy of Veterans connected to our family. The next generation of veterans includes Samaria Simpson (Navy), Kevin L Martin (Air Force), Antwan Martin (Air Force) and Major Kevin R Slaughter Jr. Squadron Commander.
To each veteran, from the great-grandfathers born in the wake of the Civil War to the latest generation that includes active duty members of the armed forces, we speak with great gratitude.
“THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.”
In those words, we express a depth of appreciation and respect for the sacrifices made, the stories lived, and the legacy forged with its scars. We honor, cherish, and salute you our heroes.