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Remembering a Hero
I'd like to focus this week's edition of My Two Cents on a Memphis hero who served in World War II and was a recipient of the Medal of Honor. Vincent Cooper Rowell passed away last week at the age of 95, but his memory and service of our country will live forever.
Vincent was extremely active in Forever Young Senior Veterans, a Collierville organization founded to end the silent suffering of military veterans 65 years and older by granting their unfulfilled dreams, returning them to the places where they fought, and giving them the honor, healing, and hope they need and deserve. We at The Pickler Law Firm are honored to have done pro bono work for this fantastic organization.
Below, I have included Mr. Rowell's obituary, an incredible video of him traveling to commemorate D-Day, and additional information about Forever Young.
Thank you, Mr. Rowell, for your service and bravery.
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Vincent Cooper Rowell
January 1, 1924 - April 18, 2019
Vincent Cooper Rowell, 95, went to his eternal home on April 18, 2019. He was born January 1, 1924, to Cora Bell Stephens and Charles Augustus Rowell in Memphis, TN. He had five brothers and two sisters. On April 4, 1942, he married the love of his life, Gladys Aileen Cline. They were married for 56 years when she suddenly passed away in the fall of 1998. Five children were born to their union: Vincent Carl Rowell, Cheryl Lynn Slater, Trudy Aileen Cook, David Earl (Patti) Rowell, and Vincent Eugene (Julie) Rowell. Mr. Rowell was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers and sisters; wife, Gladys; and their first born son, Vincent Carl.
He served in WWII as a foot soldier and artillery in the Army's 29th Infantry Division.
On "D-Day", June 6, 1944, his unit stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. On the 2nd wave, having fought in the 4 major battles of WWII, the European Theater, he was awarded 4 Bronze Stars. Later in life, France presented him with their "Medal of Honor".
Mr. Rowell was a well known residential and commercial painter in the Mid-South area. He worked with several decorators prior to his retirement at the age of 62. He loved fishing for crappie in Kentucky Lake, Arkabutla, MS and Sardis, MS with his sons and father-in-law. He also enjoyed traveling. Among the trips he made were to Canada and the upper East Coast with his wife, Washington, DC with his two daughters, multiple trips to Europe with his grandson, Chris, daughter, Cheryl and Forever Young. Mr. Rowell served as a deacon in churches he belonged to over the years. His home church was Cordova Baptist Church in Cordova, TN.
In later years, he became very active in "Forever Young Senior Veterans". He was always willing to speak in schools, businesses, and various groups as invited, sharing his WWII experiences. He was instrumental in helping with fundraising for the Forever Young Senior Veterans to end the silent suffering of military veterans 65 years and older by granting their unfulfilled dreams, returning them to places where they fought, and giving them the honor, healing, and hope they so need and deserve.
Left to cherish and honor his memory besides his children are his 5 grandchildren: Chris (Keely) Cook, Jennifer(Rob) Thompson , Rachel (Noah) Roth , Ruth Riley, and Graham Rowell ; also 12 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren.
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WATCH:
Memphis World War II veterans travel to France to commemorate D-Day
In front of the entrance to Memphis International Airport, a police escort followed by motorcyclists holding American flags paved the way for a bus carrying 14 special passengers.
There were handshakes, hugs, and salutes for a group of Memphis World War II veterans preparing to travel back to Normandy, France, to commemorate D-Day.
Veterans such as Vincent Rowell wore name badges with photos of how they looked decades ago.
Many years have passed, but not their excitement for returning to France where they fought Nazi Germany.
"I fought with the 29th Infantry Division. I landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. I am looking forward to having a great time because of it being the anniversary and so much recognition from the French government recognizing us since there aren't too many of us living any longer," Rowell said.
It'll be the first time Ed Higginbothom has returned since the war ended 70 years ago.
"I served in the Field Artillery 187th. It'll be very emotional since it'll be the first time in 70s years. It'll be very emotional, very exciting and very anticipated," Higginbothom said.
This trip is made possible because of the Forever Young Senior Veteran Wish Organization. Diane Hight is the group's founder and president.
"They see the beautiful land and peacefulness and they realize they did something very worthwhile and they come back with a spring in their step. They did something that made a difference in the world," Hight said.
For many of these vets that difference came with a price. Many of their friends were killed or wounded, but many also marched across Europe to defeat Hitler, and it's why they feel honored to receive this patriotic sendoff 70 years later.
"I'm so proud of the force that landed and I'm proud to be an American," Higginbothom said.
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What started as one man's wish to visit the National World War II Memorial, turned into the main mission for Forever Young. Many of the WWII veterans had not witnessed the monument that stands in their honor. The memorial wasn't complete until 2004. By then, the trip to Washington D.C. was too difficult for these elderly veterans to take on their own. Forever Young is taking several trips per year, that also include Normandy, Belgium, Italy, and Pearl Harbor.
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