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Hiawatha WW1 hero honored

By Greg Bebermeyer

08/03/2019

(KNZA)--A week long celebration honoring Hiawatha World War 1 hero Homer White concluded Saturday.

A patriotic procession was held from downtown Hiawatha to the Hiawatha Cemetery where a wreath was placed at his gravesite during a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of his burial. Residents lined the procession route to show their support.

Around 150 people attended a banquet Friday evening at the Fisher Community Center honoring White. Activities were also held Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Homer White American Legion Post 66 in Hiawatha put on the celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary the death of White during World War 1, 100th anniversary of the end of the war, and 100th anniversary of the establishment of the American Legion by Congress.

White, who served as military courier during World War I, died in February 1919 from injuries received in a motorcycle accident and was buried in Germany.

His family raised money to have his body returned to Hiawatha and he was laid to rest at the Hiawatha Cemetery on August 3rd, 1919 in what was described as one of the largest military funerals in Kansas.

Post 66 Public Relations Officer Bob Sines said White, who the Post was named after, was one of seven Hiawathans to serve in WW1.

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