Republic file photo Devin Malson, guest speaker, shares some of his family’s memories during the national POW/MIA recognition day ceremony at the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans, Friday, September 17, 2021
The son and daughter of a former German prisoner of war will be the guest speakers at the upcoming National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony.
Sandra LaBarbera and her brother, Ernest Walke Jr. will address the audience on their ongoing research into the life of their father, Ernest Walke Sr. during World War II.
The event will be held rain or shine at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans, southwest of the courthouse in downtown Columbus.
Inducted into the Army in 1943, Ernest Walke Sr. was with the force that liberated Paris in August 1944. However, he was later captured by the Germans and and became a POW.
Walke Sr. wasn’t the only member of his family to fight in that war. His four brothers also served:
Francis Walke, who was inducted in 1943 in the Army, landing during the second wave on D-Day.
Ralph Walke, an aerial gunner instructor who joined the Army in 1942.
Bernard Walke, a sailor aboard the U.S.S. Savannah when it was hit by a torpedo during the 1943 Battle of Salerno, Italy.
—Adelbert Walke, who was inducted into the Army in 1942 and served as both an engineer and gunner in Italy.
The speakers have joined forces to put together a history of their father’s military service together, according to Sandra LaBarbera, a retired civilian employee of the Columbus Police Department.
During their address, the siblings are also expected to pool their memories of growing up in Batesville with their father, who died on May 14, 1995, and their mother, Margaret Walke, who died in 2010.
Usually lasting about 45 minutes, the annual POW/MIA service will include a reading of the 55 names of the military personnel from our area that were either declared POW, MIA or both.
A popular feature from last year’s event will be a performance by the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir. A well-received vocalist from earlier ceremonies – former U.S. Marine and current pastor Harvey Leggett – will also be featured.
Traditional honors will be provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard and the Southern Indiana Pipes and Drums.
