WWI

Veterans Day and the American Battle Monuments Commission

by barbarawhitaker

November 11, 2024, is Veterans Day, an American holiday to honor all those who have served in the U.S. military. But not all of the former service men and women are in the United States. Some are buried overseas near where they fell in service of our country.

Cambridge American Military Cemetery
Cambridge American Military Cemetery

The American Battle Monuments Commission operates and maintains 26 permanent American Military Cemeteries and 26 American Military Monuments around the world. More than 200,000 deceased Americans from World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam rest in these beautifully maintained cemeteries where veterans are visited by many of their fellow Americans, family members and comrades. Our cemeteries and monuments are located in 17 different countries. Citizens of these countries treat these hallowed places with honor and respect. They still remember what our men and women did for their countries so many years ago.

On Veterans Day 2024 Ceremonies will be held at 22 of these American Military Cemeteries to honor our fallen veterans. These ceremonies are held every year on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

It is amazing to me that people from around the world will be honoring American veterans this Veterans Day. To see a list of the locations and times of the ABMC Veterans Day ceremonies click HERE.

For more information about the American Battle Monuments Commission, click HERE. If you are traveling to any of these countries, consider visiting one of the cemeteries or monuments.

Have a happy and safe Veterans Day!

Honoring Veterans In Our Family

by barbarawhitaker

Thanks to all the men and women who have served our country in the military.

The newest Veteran in our family is our grandson, Ethan Whitaker, who joined the Tennessee Air National Guard. Airman First Class Ethan R. Whitaker is currently in training. We are very proud of Ethan.

Both of Ethan’s grandfathers served in the military.

His fraternal grandfather, George Pat Whitaker, served in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Pat’s brother, Dwight Whitaker, also served in the Tennessee Army National Guard, but I don’t have a picture of Dwight.

Ethan’s maternal grandfather, Robert Elam, served in the U.S. Navy.

Ethan’s father’s grandfather, Dewey Paul Whitaker, served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Ethan’s Father’s other grandfather, Vernon R. Knight, also served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Vernon R. Knight received an award from the American Legion for his service to veterans.

Several other family members served in the military during World War II.

D. T. (Boots) Knight – Served in the U.S. Army

Training may have been fun for a while. Later “Boots” fought in New Guinea and the Philippines.

Roland Roby – Served in the U.S. Army

William R. Boone – Served in the U.S. Army

Eldred Grady Knight – Served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

John T. Boone – Served in the U.S. Navy. No picture available.

Web Mitchum – Served in the U. S. Army. No picture available.

Relatives who served in the military during World War I.

Malthie Whitaker – Served in the U.S. Army

Most of the Veterans listed here have passed away. Never the less, we will remember their service and their sacrifices on this Veterans Day.