THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 3, 1994 TAG: 9407030268
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SARAH HUNTLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Demsey E. Rodgers wore a crisp, white sailor's uniform, eager to tell his tale, as he stood before a room of black World War II veterans Saturday.
``I was the only black man on my ship,'' he said. ``I was a steward's mate and served the captain of the ship, but when we got into the Pacific, I got a battle station.''
Rodgers, who said he was responsible for carrying ammunition to different parts of the ship, pointed to a blue and white eagle insignia on the left sleeve of one of his old uniforms.
``I was among the first blacks authorized to wear this,'' the 75-year-old veteran said, explaining that the eagle signifies the ranking of petty officer.
For Rodgers and the other veterans at American Legion Post No. 190 in Portsmouth, Saturday was a day for memories of invasions and air attacks, of courageous duty and brave deeds - of servicemen that America has forgotten.
Frustrated by the scant attention given to African-American soldiers during last month's 50th anniversary D-Day celebrations, black veterans from South Hampton Roads reunited for the first time in several decades to pay tribute to them-selves.
``Don't forget to tell the rest of the story,'' Lt. Col. Glenn Melton said, urging the veterans to recount their experiences. ``It will be a tragedy if the whole story doesn't get told because we don't have the energy to fight the last battle.
``We counted then,'' he declared. ``Fifty years later, we still count.''
The American Legion gave certificates of recognition to about 20 veterans who served in the military during World War II.
``I have never been so proud in my entire life,'' said Portsmouth commonwealth's attorney Martin Bullock, who helped organize the event. ``We have so much history in this room. We have so much future here.''
Not all of the men were involved in the Normandy invasion, but all served proudly.
``I'm a little bit embarrassed by this,'' said Warren A. Sanford, as he accepted his award and told the crowd he had never served abroad.
``Thank God I was discharged early because my group went over there and half of them are still there - buried,'' he said.
``But I am a veteran.''
The two-hour ceremony continued despite a power blackout and rumbling thunder caused by an afternoon storm.
Candles and emergency floodlights provided the only light to mark the solemn occasion.
David Evans, commander of the American Legion's Portsmouth district, suggested that ``maybe God had a way of making this room come dark.
``For that was how you were considered during that time.''
If the veterans at the American Legion ceremony can help it, that's not how they'll be remembered anymore.
``I'm overwhelmed by this,'' Rodgers said.
``It's been a long time coming.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
JOSEPH JOHN KOTLOWSKI/Staff
Thomas Wilson, right, salutes during a reunion of black World War II
veterans at American Legiona Post No. 190 in Portsmouth on Saturday.
About 20 veterans received certificates of recognition for their
service during the war.
by CNB