(Ed's Note: The year was 1946. Everywhere, the vestiges of the last war were were evident in Brownsville. Gold Stars adorned front doors, although the residents probably hoped they didn't. But nowhere was patriotism more evident than in the Blanchard family's home on Eighth and Ringold streets. In that home, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps had recruited six fighting men to serve in this nation's wars. Some of their descendants, we're sure, remember the local daily running the picture of these warriors in uniform. Does anyone know what became of these guys? We thank Rene Torres for his research and for bringing our attention to this photo. After we posted the picture of the six Blanchard veterans from Brownsville. We received this from one of their relatives."You didn't mention Raymond Blanchard. I would really like it if you did. (brother to "Bert" Blanchard. He still lives on Tyler st. (1727 E. Tyler) his health is great, well into his eighties.)" We thank our reader Eduardo Martinez for bringing that to our attention. Here he is.
3 comments:
Juan,
These are my six uncles on my Mom's side. They have all gone on to be with the Lord. Concerning your question as to what ever happened to them: Robert returned to Brownsville after the war and was a local builder here until his death in 1979; after the war, Basil settled in Miami and started a family there and was a successful businessman; Walter never returned from the war, and it was reported that he was killed in action sometime after D-Day; Lester returned to Brownsville and started a family, but he passed on before I was born, so I never got to know him; Frank also returned to Brownsville, married and started a family here, he was a freight driver for many years with a local trucking company and he told me some amazing stories about his role in the D-Day invasion; Fred also settled in Brownsville, married and worked for the Postal service for many years. I have very fond memories of my uncles.
My Mom was the youngest of the seven siblings and the only girl. Mom still has a copy of the front page of the Herald from when this story ran.
Thanks for posting the picture.
Rene Gonzalez
Don't forget Raymond Blanchard. Tyler St. Brother to "Bert" Blanchard. I have a photo of him WWII?
Mr.Raymond Blanchard from H.E.B on paredes & boca chica was always a very good person . Bert Blanchard was a co worker from county jail very good person also .
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