Memorial Day Tribute

JEWEL ALPHONSO BURNEY October 2, 1928-February 13, 1973

Korean War Veteran

In honor of Memorial Day, I would like to salute my father, Jewel Alphonso Burney who served in the United States Army during the Korean War. My father was born and raised in the Collinsburg area of Louisiana. He was the son of William and Bessie Hines Burney. He was one of 5 of their children but also had 3 other siblings.

He was very bright as a young child. Many tell stories of how he was an early reader and how he taught younger siblings to read as well. He also had an early interest in "tinkering" with electronic gadgets, fixing and putting things together.

He was educated at Egypt Hill School which doubled as a santuary on Sunday which was pastored by his grandfather, Reverend Anderson Burney.

As a young man, he decided to join the U.S. Army where he fought in the Korean War. He served his country well and was very proud as were we of his service up until his death in 1973. He is buried the Veterans Cemetery. I went to put flowers on his grave today. So in honor of Memorial Day, I would like to salute my father for his service to his country.