Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Navy Reservist Robert Evert Burkett, Age 18 of Ladoga, IN.
MIA/KIA July 4, 1945
Robert Everett Burkett, coxswain in the US Naval Reserve, was killed in action July 24 according to a telegram that came Friday to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Burkett. Coxswain Burkett had been serving in the Pacific with the USS Underhill. The telegram did not give details with regard to the manner in which their son met his death. Entering the service Jan 12 1942, Burkett had served about two years on convoy duty in the Atlantic. Since Jan 1945, however he had been on duty in the Pacific. One ship on which he previously served was sunk but he was among the survivors. Born Nov 21, 1926 in Ladoga, Burkett would have reached his 19th birthday next November. He was one of a family of 8 children of Mr. and Mrs. Burkett. Burkett was married Oct 29, 1944 to Vivian Waldon, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben A. Waldon, 1204 S. Mill Street, Crawfordsville. The widow survives together with his parents, three sisters and 4 brothers. one brother, PFC Herman Burkett is with the US Armed Forces stationed somewhere in Germany. Three younger brothers – Victor, James and Carroll live at home. One sister, Virginia Marie also lives at home. The other two sisters are Mrs. Susanna Boomer of Decatur, Ill and Mrs. Ramona Cotton of Ladoga. The grandmother, Mrs. Susie Burkett also survives. The telegram that came to Mr. and Mrs. Burkett stated they would be notified when further details with regard to his death are received. The father is employed in Allison’s factory in Indianapolis.
We had a great 7.46 Mile walk. We walked by Lake Holiday Hills Lake and then headed up town. We met up with Jake who was in town selling his books. He has walked across America several times. We then stopped in at the War Memorial Park then we headed back towards the house. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero today. We had 110 honks. Thank you.
Navy Reservist Robert Evert Burkett will not be forgotten !
