November 5, 2021
Dear Friend,
In July 1943, Embra Jackson, Sr., enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and reported to basic training at Montford Point Camp, North Carolina. The 18-year-old Mississippian was among the first African Americans to enlist in the Corps, and one of the thousands sent to fight in the Pacific Theatre.
Last week, it was an honor to present Mr. Jackson's family the Congressional Gold Medal commemorating the more than 20,000 African Americans who fought to defend America in the Corps. Mr. Jackson was a true hero with a love for America that compelled him to leave his rural Mississippi home for distant lands.
Dr. Embra Jackson, Jr., the son of Mr. Jackson, invited family and friends to Tupelo to celebrate his father's great achievements. Please click to watch the video.
Photo courtesy: Thomas Wells, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
