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Did You Know That Over 400,000 American Soldiers Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice For You During World War II? PFC Malcolm Blackman Was Killed In Action During The Normandy Invasion. We Are Indebted To Him And Every Soldier Who Served Or Serves Our Military


Viewed: 5717

Posted by: Steve Hardwick
Date: May 24 2017 1:57 PM


And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave. —Joseph Rodman Drake


A few days ago I posted pictures of PFC Malcolm Blackman's headstone that I just happened to see near my family's cemetery lot. I read on his headstone that he served in WWII and died on June 11th, 1944. I Knew the United States D-Day Invasion was on June 6th, 1944. So I quickly assumed he must have been killed in action during the invasion of France against Hitler and the Nazi German Soldiers who had occupied France.
I had no idea who his family was so first of all I placed flowers at his headstone with 2 American Flags because I did not want PFC Blackman who was only 25 years old when he paid the ultimate sacrifice for each of us to be forgotten over the 73 years since he had died.
I posted the original story on Rickey Stokes News a few days ago and by the Grace Of God I just received a phone call from one of Malcolm's relatives who also never knew Malcolm but they had his picture and the Purple Heart that PFC Blackman had been awarded over 70 years ago.
Soon as they sent me a picture of him and the Purple Heart I just started tearing up. Finally I could put a face with his name and the story of his heroism for our country.
I will always have a special place in my heart for this local hometown hero who died for me and for you so that we could all 73 years later still enjoy the freedom that isnt free. Over 12 million valiant men and women gave their lives for me and for each of you during World War II.
PFC Malcolm Blackman the words " Thank You " aren't near enough for the ultimate sacrifice that you gave so many years ago. My oldest son just turned 20 and you were only 5 years older when the battle cries around you fell silent and God wrapped his arms around you and carried one more fallen soldier Home. Over 40 years ago a U.S. Marine was quoted saying "WHEN I DIE AND GO TO HEAVEN TO SAINT PETER I WILL TELL, ONE MORE SOLDIER REPORTING TO DUTY, SIR, I HAVE SERVED MY TIME IN HELL."


Malcolm Blackman was the child of Alto and Mary Blackman and as a parent I can only imagine how they probably worried each and every day about their son who was off fighting a war thousands of miles away, praying each day that their son would one day come back home safe and sound. But instead they may have either received a letter in the mail that read.." Dear Mr. And Mrs. Blackman We Regret To Inform You That Your Son PFC MALCOLM O BLACKMAN Was Killed In Action On June 11, 1944 While Fighting For The Freedom And Liberties Of Our Great Country." OR...THAT DREADED KNOCK ON THE BLACKMAN'S FRONT DOOR THAT NO PARENT EVER WISHES TO HEAR. Either way...their lives would never be the same...THEIR SON WAS GONE!!!
I will always be indebted to you for your service to OUR United States Of AMERICA.



The Angel of Hope statue at Westgate Park is dedicated to every parent who has lost a child with the Hope of providing comfort and healing from knowing that their child will not be forgotten. 


To the family of PFC Malcolm O Blackman :


It may have taken 73 years to do it but PFC MALCOLM BLACKMAN is not forgotten for he is one of ...OUR CHILDREN LOVED, MISSED AND REMEMBERED 


which is inscribed on the back of the Angel of Hope statue. 



Steve Hardwick 


Wiregrass Angel Of Hope 




Did You Know That Over 400,000 American Soldiers Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice For You During World War II? PFC Malcolm Blackman Was Killed In Action During The Normandy Invasion. We Are Indebted To Him And Every Soldier Who Served Or Serves Our Military

Did You Know That Over 400,000 American Soldiers Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice For You During World War II? PFC Malcolm Blackman Was Killed In Action During The Normandy Invasion. We Are Indebted To Him And Every Soldier Who Served Or Serves Our Military

Family First Funeral Home

Did You Know That Over 400,000 American Soldiers Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice For You During World War II? PFC Malcolm Blackman Was Killed In Action During The Normandy Invasion. We Are Indebted To Him And Every Soldier Who Served Or Serves Our Military

Did You Know That Over 400,000 American Soldiers Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice For You During World War II? PFC Malcolm Blackman Was Killed In Action During The Normandy Invasion. We Are Indebted To Him And Every Soldier Who Served Or Serves Our Military

Did You Know That Over 400,000 American Soldiers Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice For You During World War II? PFC Malcolm Blackman Was Killed In Action During The Normandy Invasion. We Are Indebted To Him And Every Soldier Who Served Or Serves Our Military

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