Celebrating Cecil Bridges, WWI Veteran

On this Veterans Day, 11 Nov 2016, I honor Cecil Randell Bridges who served in WWI. Cecil married my second great-aunt, Alma Anna Martha Adermann, on 3 July 1936. Cecil registered for the World War I draft on 15 June 1917, citing a need to provide for his mother (Annabell) as reason for an exemption. In spite of that he served from 5 September 1918, through the end of World War I (Nov 11, 1918), and until 3 August 1921.

Toward the end of World War II, the United States had an “Old Man’s Draft.” Cecil registered again, honoring his responsibility to his country.

Later in life, when he and Alma had moved to Phoenix, Arizona, he was active in the Arizona Veterans of World War I. In an article (my thanks to Kevin Hackett once again) in the Yuma Sun of Yuma, Arizona, May 19, 1965, Cecil was elected commander of the state organization.

At his death on 10 October 1988, Cecil was buried three days later in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, completing his connection to the US Army. May his name be honored today and all days.