The nationally touring exhibit Brothers in Arms will make a poignant stop in Wilmington’s Community Arts Center to honor Charles and James Summers, two brothers from High Point, North Carolina, who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The event, scheduled for Saturday, July 5 at 2:00 PM ET, 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 profound personal losses endured during wartime. Staff Sergeant Charles Summers was killed in France in July 1944, shortly after landing at Utah Beach on D-Day. Just three months later, Private First Class James Summers lost his life in Italy. Their deaths left an indelible mark on their family, with their mother suffering a breakdown and the family home losing its joy, as recounted by Betty Jean.
Brothers in Arms, a collaboration between historian Kevin M. Callahan and the American Battle Monuments Commission, seeks to honor the over 700 sets of American brothers who died in WWII and are buried together overseas. Through historic photographs, artifacts, and personal stories, the exhibit offers a deeply personal perspective on the sacrifices made during the war.
This event, occurring during the July 4th week, serves as a somber reflection on the cost of freedom, reminding attendees not just of the victories achieved but of the families who paid the ultimate price. The exhibit’s visit to Wilmington is a unique opportunity for the community to connect with a pivotal moment in history and the personal stories that define it.
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