REMEMBERING MONDAY - Pearl Harbor Day -Anchors Away! ⚓

 THIS DAY IN BLACK HISTORY

Doris "Dorie" Miller was an American Sailor in the United States Navy.  He manned anti-aircraft guns during the attack on Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) on December 7, 1941, for which he had no training, and tended to the wounded. His rank at time of service was Cook, first class.  He was recognized by the Navy for his actions and awarded the Navy Cross.  The first black American to be awarded such.  The Knox-class frigate USS Miller, in service from 1973-1991 was named after Doris Miller.  On January 19, 2020, the Navy announced that the CVN-81 would be named after him, A Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier scheduled to be laid down in 2023 and launched in 2028. (Source: Wikipedia)

 THIS DAY IN FAMILY HISTORY

George Washington Carver Harris was an American Sailor in the United States Navy also.  After his 1964 Lincoln High School graduation, He and two other Charleston young men joined the Naval Reserves making trips to Cape Girardeau, Mo (35 miles away) for studies and then boot camp training most likely in Great Lakes, Illinois.  After graduation and two years active duty he was honorably discharged and moved to Chicago. Family, sorry I don't know his rank or his career path while in the Navy.  If any of you do, please share.  

There are two other Navy servicemen and one service woman in the family.  Nancy Crider (still serving and stationed on an airfare carrier as we speak) is the daughter of Larry and Clareon Crider; first cousin Ernest H. Bowles, Sr. frail but still living near Memphis in Millington and Uncle Rayford Hudson (?-1987), husband of Ellen Harris Hudson.

Okay, time to spill the tea about Ernest!  Most of us thought that paternal grandfather, Jake Harris only had two children: A.J. and Abbey.  Apparently he also had another daughter, Estelle Harris Smith (1903-1995) with Susan Webb in McComb, MS.  Ernest is her son.  Here's a picture of Ernest with Jeanette circa 1960s.  I remember him slightly from early years but Alfred still has contact with his family.

A favorite brother-in-law/uncle Rayford Hudson, served during the time of Dorie's heroic feat. His son,  Arthur is searching albums for an iconic picture of Ray in his Buster Brown uniform (Arthur's words not mine) but I don't have it for this post.  I'll share when it surfaces.  Arthur did say, that like Dorie, Ray was staff cook and had some contact with the Japanese.  "When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, the Navy's African -American sailors had been limited to serving as Mess Attendants for nearly two decades.  However, the pressures of wartime on manpower resources, the good examples of heroes like Doris Miller, the willingness of thousands of patriotic men to participate in the war effort plus well-focused political activities gradually forced changes."  Click and read more about their experiences below:

WW2 Black Navy History

There is a philosophy recognized as small world phenomenon that became popular in the early 21st century.  It was called Six Degrees of Separation.  The idea was that all people on average are six or fewer social connections away from each other.  In other words, you can connect any two people in a maximum of six steps.  If this is true then the career path narratives of Dorie and Ray as WWII veterans; George as a Vietnam War navy veteran and Nancy's current career could still cross through research by subsequent generations. 

Today, is remembered as Pearl Harbor Day or National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day! I'm sure you'll come across a celebration or two in the media.  But while you're watching and Old Glory makes its appearance think of your family members who have served, and are serving currently to defend our nation's democracy!  Also, if you haven't seen the movie, Men of Honor, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. in awhile, check it out. It too will give you a deeper look into our family's naval history. 

TODAY'S FAMILY BLOG QUOTE AND QUESTION?

Who named George W.C. Harris after the famous scientist, George Washington Carver? What was his association to our family?

LAST BLOG FAMILY QUESTION: 

What is the background of this 1950's quote: "The Cat Came back and So will You?"

ANSWER: This quote was printed on a promotional item for a 1950s Harris Grocery and Market calendar.  It was distributed to faithful customers to advertise the family store and remind them to shop again. We don't know how long it was used. 

 Love to All, 

Your Family Griot - Carolyn Harris Betts

**I will be posting every day this week to get you up to speed and remind you to invite other family members to subscribe.  Afterwards, I will only be posting once a month!  Remember to use the comments section to give feedback!  I need all the encouragement I can get!!!