BROOKLAWN, NJ (May 24, 2026)(CNBNews)–The Brooklawn Memorial American Legion Post 72 will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25 at 10:00 AM at Veterans Park.
The Brooklawn Police Department proudly encourages residents, families, and community members to attend as we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Please take time this Memorial Day to support our local veterans and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.
A MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE
My Uncle Bill Williams was a pilot who flew B‑17 bombers during World War II. On one mission, his crew was ordered to drop bombs over Italy. Their aircraft was badly hit, and everyone was forced to parachute out.
As my uncle descended, he was shot and killed while still in his parachute, just before reaching the ground.
An Italian man who witnessed the tragedy recovered his body and buried him about fifty yards behind his home.
Forty years later, several of my uncle’s siblings traveled to Italy to visit the gravesite. In honor of her older brother, my mother later named her son Bill.
The Air Force telegram notifying the family of his death was supposed to arrive three days before Christmas. The telegram deliveryman, knowing the heartbreak it would bring, held the message until after the holiday.
Today, Uncle Bill’s military photo—along with those of many other Gloucester City servicemen who died in America’s wars—hangs on posts along both sides of Broadway.
Rest in peace, Uncle Bill, and Brother Bill.