Wilmington Event to Honor WWII Brothers Charles and James Summers

The nationally touring exhibit Brothers in Arms will make a poignant stop in Wilmington, North Carolina, to honor the memory of Charles and James Summers, two brothers from High Point who lost their lives during World War II and are buried side by side in the American Cemetery at Normandy. The event, scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at the Community Arts Center, will feature heartfelt 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 in Normandy.

The story of the Summers brothers is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by families during wartime. Staff Sergeant Charles Summers was killed in France in July 1944, shortly after landing at Utah Beach on D-Day with the 4th Infantry Division. Just three months later, Private First Class James Summers died in Italy while serving with the 88th Infantry Division. The loss of both sons led to their only surviving brother, John, being recalled from service, leaving an indelible mark on the family. Betty Jean recalls the profound impact of their deaths, noting how the joy and music that once filled their home were silenced by grief.

Brothers in Arms, a project by historian Kevin M. Callahan in collaboration with the American Battle Monuments Commission, aims to honor the over 700 sets of American brothers who perished together in WWII and are buried in U.S. military cemeteries abroad. The exhibit, enriched with historic photographs, battlefield artifacts, and personal narratives, offers a deeply personal perspective on the war's toll. This event, taking place during the July 4th week, serves as a solemn reminder of the families who endured the ultimate sacrifice for their country.