Wilmington Event Honors WWII Brothers Buried Together in Normandy

The nationally touring exhibit Brothers in Arms will honor Charles and James Summers, two brothers from High Point, North Carolina, who were killed months apart during World War II and are buried side by side in the American Cemetery at Normandy. The event, taking place at Wilmington's Community Arts Center, will feature remarks from their surviving sister, Betty Jean Summers Neely, and a special call-in by former U.S. Senator Richard Burr, who has previously honored the Summers family at their gravesite.

The Summers brothers' story underscores the profound personal losses of war. Charles Summers, a Staff Sergeant, was killed in France after landing at Utah Beach on D-Day, while James Summers, a Private First Class, died in Italy three months later. Their deaths led to the recall of their only surviving brother, John, from service, leaving an indelible mark on their family.

Brothers in Arms, created by historian Kevin M. Callahan in partnership with the American Battle Monuments Commission, aims to honor over 700 sets of American brothers who died in WWII and are buried together overseas. The exhibit, featuring historic photographs, artifacts, and personal stories, offers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by families during the war.