Small rays of sunlight gradually escaped the gray clouds at Henry Parham’s graveside service — putting a glow on the orange and pink flowers that adorned the veteran’s casket as well as the somber faces on dozens of his family and friends.
Mr. Parham was the last surviving African American combat veteran of D-Day, so his Monday afternoon graveside service included full military funeral honors performed by the honor guard of American Legion Post 980 in Plum. He was laid to rest at the Allegheny County Soldier’s Plot in Allegheny Cemetery following services at Rose Funeral Home.
Mr. Parham wasn’t loud, one of his friends recounted. In fact, he was one of the softest talkers he ever met. But he had a bellowing laugh, and always commanded respect in a room.
“He was a man’s man. He walked tall among men. It’ll be a long time before we see one like him again,” said Jeff Pope, 81 of Plum. Mr. Pope was Mr. Parham’s friend for the last 35 years and a member of the honor guard.
Mr. Pope said Mr. Parham’s wife of 47 years, Ethel Parham, contacted him personally about performing the service. They all met through the American Legion, and became quick friends — meeting at each other’s homes for picnics over the decades.
“It was just like they were our family,” he said.
Mr. Parham was a veteran of the 320th Anti-Aircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black unit to land on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He was also a 67-year member of the American Legion Post 577 in Squirrel Hill. The Wilkinsburg resident died on July 4 of bladder cancer at the age of 99.
At the graveside service, Mr. Pope handed Ms. Parham the final rounds fired from the honor guard’s firing squad. These rounds broke the silence at the huge cemetery. The shots were followed by “Taps” — a bugle call played at military funerals and ceremonies.
Ms. Parham accepted the rounds along with the American flag.
She balanced on two other people’s arms to reach the casket. She then carefully placed a flower of her own, before encouraging others to do the same. Ms. Parham said her husband had a long, amazing life.
“He lived a good life. He was well taken care of, and we traveled and had a beautiful life,” she told the Post-Gazette last week. “I thank God that he lived long enough to get these accolades. He deserved it.”
Mr. Parham’s great great nephew, Rev. Michael Parker II, led a prayer at the service, laying to rest the decorated veteran whose military service was overlooked for many years.
“Virtuous God we thank you for those we love, but see no more,” he said.
Rebecca Johnson: rjohnson@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rebeccapaigejo
First Published: July 12, 2021, 9:44 p.m.
