A Celebration of Heroes
On November 7, 2024, an outstanding Veteran’s Day program was held at the Milwaukee War Memorial to honor 16 African American veterans for their service and sacrifice to this country and to their community. The excitement began with a roaring applause as each honoree entered the room. After posting the colors, we heard an amazing rendition of the National Anthem and later a ‘heroes’ serenade to our veterans by Carol Molex, a teacher at Marshall High School. We were blessed to have Andrea Williams of WTMJ4 and Veteran Richard Badger to co-host this occasion.
The honorees represented every national conflict to include Iraq and Afghanistan, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and two honorees from World War II (Anna Mae Robertson and Vernon Townsend).
Mayor Cavalier Johnson spoke and presented Mr. Townsend with an award and a Proclamation naming a day in his honor. Also, Mr. James Bond, the Secretary-Designee, Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs attended and stayed the entire time as he presented awards and certificates to each honoree. As well, each honoree received special recognition from Congresswoman Gwen Moore and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. Also, each honoree received a beautiful award and a commemorative Tuskegee Airmen coin.
However, it was 104-year-old World War II Veteran Vernon Townsend…our special honoree who stole the show. It is rare, if ever, that one gets a chance to meet and talk to a 104-year-old veteran. Every honoree and the nearly 300 people in attendance gave him a standing ovation when he entered the room…and everybody
Vernon Townsend: An American Hero
Vernon C. Townsend was born on September 23, 1920, in Tchula, Mississippi and enlisted in the Army on July 16, 1942. Although trained at Camp Shelby as an auto mechanic’s helper, Vernon also took Medical Basic Training and served as a Hospital Orderly who administered first aid to the sick, injured and wounded. In many cases, helping to save the lives of others…while fighting for the very freedom that was being denied to him.
For his service, Mr. Townsend officially received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Ribbon. Many African American World War II veterans were not recommended and therefore, did not receive awards such as the Bronze Star, the Silver Star or the Medal of Honor that were more reflective of their service.
Hence, we owe Mr. Townsend a debt that we can never repay for his self-less service and sacrifice. We must never forget that Freedom is not Free and we must never forget those who shed their blood so we can experience the freedom we enjoy today.
Veteran Mr. Otis Winstead, CEO of Great Lakes Dry Hootch, and event co-organizer said, “It is a shame that at 104 years old, Mr. Townsend has not ever been recognized!.” As well, I, Dr. Darrell L. Williams, event co-organizer said, “Veterans are rarely recognized, especially our African American veterans. It is a pleasure to collaborate with Dry Hootch to recognize these 16 veterans, especially our World War II Veterans.”
Additionally, attendees were treated to a powerful, heart wrenching, tear jerking, and most informative historical presentation by Doug Melville. Introduced by Kentucky State Graduate, White House HBCU Scholar and recently commissioned 2LT, Anyiah Chambers, Mr. Melville is a world-renowned speaker and author of the bestselling book, The Invisible Generals. The entire audience was spell-bound as he eloquently but plainly told the story of the trials, tribulations, contributions and the resilience of America’s First two Black Generals…Benjamin O’ Davis Sr. and Benjamin O’ Davis Jr.…a father and son. Proudly, Benjamin O’ Davis Jr. was the Commander of the famous and legendary Tuskegee Airmen who eventually received the Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. Melville’s message brought tears to eyes of many in the audience because of their mistreatment due to racism by many people, including their fellow servicemen and others at local and national level. Ironically, the audience tears turned from tears of pain to tears of pride as they were inspired by Benjamin O’ Davis Sr. and Benjamin O’ Davis Jr. ability to use their ingenuity to navigate the troubled waters and their unyielding resilience to succeed…despite the odds. After the event, Mr. Melville signed copies of his book unit they were all sold-out!
It was heartwarming to hear the honorees express how they felt so appreciated. Honoree Terry Strong said, “Dr. Williams, this program was amazing and my heart is singing at this moment!” That expression captured the overall spirit of the event and provided motivation and inspiration to look forward to next year!
Rust College graduate and 30 year educational administrator, Dr. Darrell L. Williams currently serves as Assistant State Superintendent of the Division of Libraries and Technology in the Wis-consin Department of Public Instruction by direct appointment of Dr. Jill Underly, the Wisconsin State Superintendent. Previously, he was appointed by Governor Tony Evers as the Administra-tor of the Division of Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM). WEM is the lead state agen-cy charged with coordinating the state’s efforts for all natural and man-caused disasters and served as the heartbeat of the COVID-19 response and civil unrest efforts throughout Wiscon-sin. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Williams served as the Interim Superintendent of Schools in Beloit, WI where he worked collaboratively to implement the District-Wide Early Childhood Lit-eracy Initiative and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Initiative to improve literacy skills and increase student achievement in Rock County. As well, he previously served as “Turn Around” Principal in Milwaukee Public Schools. In recognition of his efforts, he was recognized as the 2017 UAW Local 95 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Service Award honoree and the 2013 National Principal of the Year honoree from the National Alliance of Black School Educators. In addition to his civilian career, Dr. Williams (Major-Retired) served for 29 years in the United States Army, which included combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan where he was awarded several decorations for his military service—including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal.
He is a member of the Montfort Point Marines Beloit-Rockford Chapter #41, and member of the National Association of Black Veterans. He is also a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
