Signature Speaker: 1st Sgt. Robert E. Gray III, USMC (Ret.) honoring PFC Willy Frederick James Jr.,
Schedule
Mon Mar 09 2026 at 05:00 pm to 06:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
501 N. Dodgion Street, Independence, MO, United States, Missouri 64014 | Independence, MO
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The Veteran R.E.A.D.S. Program is honored to welcome 1st Sgt. Robert E. Gray III, USMC (Ret.) for a special Signature Speaker Series event titled Honor Deferred.
This powerful presentation centers on PFC Willy Frederick James Jr., U.S. Army, a World War II soldier and Kansas City’s only native Medal of Honor recipient. Though his heroism was documented and witnessed by fellow soldiers, his recognition was delayed for decades, part of a broader history in which Black service members were denied the honors they earned.
Honor Deferred is about more than a medal. It’s about memory, truth, and restoring a story that should have been told long ago.
📅 Date: Monday, February 23, 2026, 5-6:30pm.
📍 Location: Habitat for Humanity: 501 N. Dodgion St., Independence, MO
🎖️ Open to veterans, families, and the community
Stories matter, especially the ones that took too long to be heard.
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Where is it happening?
501 N. Dodgion Street, Independence, MO, United States, Missouri 64014Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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