In Memoriam - Charles P. Kerns
 |
| Charles P. Kerns |
| May 29 , 1920 to March 1, 2021 |
On March 3, 2021 Post member Charles P. Kerns reported to Post Everlasting. The Wake will be at N.F. Walkers Funeral Home in Merrick on Wednesday March 17, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. If any Post member is interested in attending, the Merrick Post 1282, American Legion, solemn ceremony, for Post Member, Charles P. Kerns, we are going to meet at N. F. Walker's Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 17, 2020, at 2:00 pm for a 2:30 pm, American Legion ceremony. The North Merrick Fire Department will preform their service in the evening of that day.
Mr. Kerns celebrated his 100th Birthday on May 29, 2020 with a car parade in his honor. This car parade included members of the Nassau County Police Department, the Nassau County Firefighters’ Pipes and Drums Band, the North Merrick Fire Department, the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department, friends and family all drove by the Plattduetsche Retirement Home in Franklin Square, New York.
On this occasion Charles Kerns was presented an honorary badge from Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, and New York State Senator John Brooks (8th Senate District) presented Mr. Kerns with a framed proclamation and Senate resolution extolling his contributions to the country.
Mr. Kerns was inducted into the Army at Camp Upton, New York on March 16, 1944. On June 20,1944 he was given the classification of Rifle Sharpshooter and Technician fourth grade. He served from December 16, 1944 to December 23, 1945 at the port of Le Havre France as a Cargo Operations Officer. After 36 years of service and attendance at the Army War College he retired as a Colonel on May 20, 1980. As a reservist he was on the West Point selection committee.
When Colonel Kerns turned 100 years old, he was the highest-ranking World War II veteran in Nassau county. He received the rank of a Colonel. He served in the United States Army for 36 years. He served as a logistics officer, overseeing the invasion of Normandy from Great Britain and then France as the war progressed, eventually managing the withdrawal of troops and equipment after the Allies’ victory in Europe.
Charles P. Kerns also served as a volunteer firefighter for the North Merrick Fire Department for 70 years. He was the commissioner of the Fire District for the North Merrick Fire Department from 1966 to 1967.
Charles P. Kerns is preceded by his wife Evelyn Ruth Kerns (6-18-2006), who was a Past President of the North Merrick Fire Department. Ladies Auxiliary, Member Nassau County Fireman's Association Ladies Auxiliary and member Ladies Auxiliary FASNY. Charles Kerns is survived by his son Donald Kerns and his wife Mary Ann, son Kenneth Kerns and his wife Mary and his daughter Helen Razenson and her husband Charles Razenson. Also survived by his nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Mr. Kerns in inspired a great deal of people his lifetime. In the resolution from New York Senator Brooks it was said of Charles P. Kerns “he has inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends” and “has enriched the lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others, and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years.”
See the following link:
Military History of Charles P. Kerns
WWII veteran serving with the U.S. Army Transportation Corps where he received a direct appointment and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant while serving in LeHavre France.
He was a graduate of the Unites States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Graduate of United States Army Transportation School, Fort Eustis, Virginia. Completed the national Security Management Course conducted by the Industrial College of the Armed Forces
In 1974, he was the recipient of the United States Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service while serving as Assistant Group Travel Coordinator in Newark New Jersey from February 1968 to September 1974.
(courtesy of his daugther Helen Razenson)