Brothers in Arms Exhibit Honors WWII Sacrifices in Wilmington

The nationally touring exhibit Brothers in Arms is set to honor Charles and James Summers, brothers from High Point, North Carolina, who lost their lives months apart during World War II and are buried side by side in Normandy. The event, hosted at the Community Arts Center, will include remarks from their surviving sister, Betty Jean Summers Neely, and a special call-in from former U.S. Senator Richard Burr, who has previously paid his respects to the family at their gravesite.

The story of the Summers brothers illustrates the profound impact of war on families. Charles, a Staff Sergeant, was killed in France shortly after D-Day, while James, a Private First Class, died in Italy three months later. Their deaths resulted in the recall of their only surviving brother, John, from service, a decision that deeply affected their family. Created by historian Kevin M. Callahan in collaboration with the American Battle Monuments Commission, the exhibit aims to commemorate over 700 sets of American brothers who perished in WWII and are buried together overseas, offering a deeply personal insight into the sacrifices made during the war.

Featuring historic photographs, battlefield artifacts, and personal narratives, Brothers in Arms serves as a moving tribute to the families who endured the ultimate loss for the sake of victory. This event not only memorializes the Summers brothers but also encourages reflection on the individual stories of loss that are woven into the fabric of wartime history.