BRADENTON, Fla. — Memorial Day is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect the United States and the freedom of its citizens.
What You Need To Know
- Army Lt. Kirby Stewart, 27, was a Florida native was killed in 1918 after leading his platoon into the Battle of Saint-Mihiel
- According to the commander for American legion Post 24, family and members of a local American Legion post will honor Stewart in a ceremony his family has held every year since 1918
- The Manatee County Veterans Council is also honoring our fallen heroes; both the mayor of Bradenton and Palmetto will speak at the event
Family and members of a local American Legion post in Bradenton will honor World War I Army Lt. Kirby Stewart in a ceremony that his family has held every year since his death in 1918.
The 27-year-old Florida native was killed after leading his platoon into the Battle of Saint-Mihiel in France. According to information from American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24, despite being wounded twice in a previous battle, he volunteered to lead an attack on a German machine-gun nest.
"He died as he threw a hand grenade into the German machine-gun nest," the post wrote on its website.
Stewart was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism, which is the second highest military decoration.
The war hero not only left an impact on the Bradenton community but also the American Legion post that’s named after him. John Rauh is the commander at the legion and comes to the cemetery every Memorial Day to honor Stewart.
Rauh said he has seen a lot change during his 13 years at the legion, and his time serving, but says one priority in the community has been consistent year after year: the continued support for the country's fallen heroes.
He credits the younger generation for taking the time to remember those who fought and died.
“I’ve seen a lot of these kids. They are in JROTC. We do an oratorical thing on the Constitution. We do Boys Day. These kids are phenomenal," he said.