A fallen World War I soldier will soon receive a memorial at Centertown Cemetery in his honor after efforts were revitalized by his family.
Charlie Blair and his brother, Johnnie Blair, were drafted from Centertown in 1918 to serve in World War I at the tender ages of 22 and 25 respectively, but only one Blair brother would return home. Private Charlie, who served as part of the 32nd Infantry Division, was killed in action by shell fire on Oct. 9, 1918 and, due to logistics at the time, he was buried overseas and remains in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Verdun, France today. Featured in the cemetery are over 14,000 white marble crosses to honor the American forces who died in combat.
The brothers’ family, over 100 years later, aim to change that with a privately organized memorial service.
“The more we thought about how Charlie has nothing here at home to recognize his sacrifice beyond his name on a plaque at the Warren County Memorial Airport, the more we wanted to do something for him,” said Chandra Elliot, wife to Charlie’s great-great grandnephew John. “There’s nothing in the family cemetery because, in 1918, the family didn’t have the resources and memorials weren’t common. They, along with everyone else, were trying to put their lives together and they couldn’t do it then, but we can do it for them now.”
The memorial service for Charlie is scheduled to take place tomorrow, May 27, at 10 a.m. and is expected to feature a speaker followed by the Warren County High School ROTC presenting the Color Guard and facilitating a flag-folding presentation to Charlie’s nephew, Earl Blair.
The retired flag which will be given to Earl once flew at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. To close out the ceremony, the American Legion will perform a gun salute and Taps.
“It feels special to have youth representing Charlie. I let the ROTC know that this was something I specifically chose them for because I wanted them to be a part of it,” Elliot said of her decision to invite WCHS’s ROTC. “They may not get it right now, but they will and they’ll understand they were a part of something important in honoring a World War I hero from Warren County who died for us and our freedoms we enjoy today.”
Some seating will be provided and guests are permitted to bring their own chairs. Centertown Church of Christ will have available parking. The public is welcome and invited to attend. In addition to this ceremony, the traditional Memorial Day Service will be held this year at the Warren County Memorial Airport beginning at 8 a.m.
