Wilmington event honors African American veterans, preserves their legacies

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As Wilmington celebrated military service with its annual Veterans Day parade Saturday, another event downtown paid special tribute to African American veterans whose contributions and sacrifices have often been overlooked.

The fifth annual Salute to African American Veterans was held Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Hannah Block Historic USO Building in downtown Wilmington.

Several dozen people attended the event, including many African American veterans and relatives of those who have died.

Each year, the event highlights veterans from a different era. Last year’s event focused on World War I, while this year’s program recognized Wilmington-area veterans who served during World War II.

Historian Tim Pinnick shared his research into the lives and military service of local African American veterans, including Percy Heath, a 1940 graduate of Williston High School.

Heath trained with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II but did not see combat. He later became a renowned jazz bassist.

Pinnick said many African American veterans answered the call to serve their country, only to return home to the same discrimination and racism they had fought against overseas.

“That they went and fought for their country for freedom and democracy, but truly, truly, truly, when they came back, especially those in the South, they came back not appreciated, under-appreciated and back to the same old discrimination and racism that they fought to eliminate in the world,” Pinnick said.

According to Pinnick, historical records document well over 1,000 African American veterans from the Wilmington area.

He said events like the Salute to African American Veterans are important for preserving their stories and ensuring their service is not forgotten.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for relatives of veterans who have died to share their family histories and honor their loved ones.

The event concluded with the unveiling of three new banners honoring African American veterans. The banners are expected to be displayed throughout downtown Wilmington next year.

Saturday’s celebration also came ahead of two significant dates: the anniversary of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and Coup on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.