ARMY AIR CORPS TECHNICAL SERGEANT CECIL GRADY BUTTRAM Cumberland County High School — Class of 1938 Today, November 7, 2026, we had the honor of walking alongside a hometown hero during the Veterans Parade in Crossville, Tennessee. Cecil Grady Buttram was born April 26, 1920, the son of Alonzo Jackson Buttram and Bertie J. McLarty. He grew up in Cumberland County and graduated from Cumberland County High School in the spring of 1938. Cecil enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 7, 1941, at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia. He quickly advanced through the ranks and became a Technical Sergeant. On January 11, 1943, Cecil was reported missing in action in the North African area during World War II. His family waited many long months for answers. Eventually, they learned that his remains had been located in a small civilian cemetery in northern Italy. After years away from home, Cecil finally returned to Cumberland County. His final resting place is Crossville City Cemetery. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice. Today, we brought Cecil home to the streets of the community where his story began. We started our walk near Holiday Hills Lake and made our way toward Cumberland County High School, where we lined up for the Veterans Parade. When the parade began, we walked east on Stanley Street before turning down Main Street. The streets were lined with people, and it was truly amazing to see so many members of our community come out to support our veterans. When we reached Veterans Memorial Park, I stopped, faced the American Flag, and rendered a slow salute. It was a special moment to pause and remember Cecil and all those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. After the salute, we continued to the end of the parade before making our way back toward home. Today's walk: 🇺🇸 6 MILES WALKED 📣 122 HONKS RECEIVED I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to the people of Cumberland County, Tennessee! To everyone who came out today, waved, honked, saluted, cheered, and showed their support, THANK YOU! Your kindness and support made today's walk something special. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SHARED PHOTOGRAPHS FROM TODAY'S PARADE. Your pictures helped us capture these special moments and share Cecil's story with others. Thank you for helping us honor one of our own. I also want to thank everyone who helped make this hometown tribute possible and especially Fallen Hero PV2 Joshua Dommes for helping us honor Technical Sergeant Cecil Grady Buttram today. Cecil was a son of Cumberland County. He walked the halls of Cumberland County High School as a member of the Class of 1938. He answered his country's call, served during World War II, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, his hometown came together to make sure his service and sacrifice were remembered. Cumberland County, THANK YOU for helping us honor one of your own! TSgt Cecil Grady Buttram, your service, sacrifice, and memory will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸 YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN, CECIL! 🇺🇸 WE WALK FOR THEM — ONE STEP AT A TIME! #iWalk4Them #WalkingWithFallenHeroes #CecilGradyButtram #CumberlandCountyTN #CCHSClassOf1938 #VeteransParade #HonorOurFallen #NeverForgotten