Lure of the Lake
A Hero Comes Home: The Hiram Little Story - The Hero Eatonton Gave America
Some stories are too important to be forgotten. And sometimes, it takes a community coming together to ensure that one of its own finally receives the recognition he deserves. Hiram Little was born in Eatonton in 1919. He would go on to serve his country as one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, joining a group of courageous Black servicemen who fought not only America’s enemies abroad, but also prejudice and segregation within the very military they had volunteered to serve. As a member of the 477th Bombardment Group, Hiram helped train other airmen and participated in the historic Freeman Field protest, an act of peaceful resistance that helped bring about the eventual integration of the United States Armed Forces. But his service was only one chapter in an extraordinary life. Hiram supported civil-rights and voter-registration efforts, graduated from Morehouse College, became one of Atlanta’s first African American postal supervisors, and remained devoted to learning and serving others throughout his life. Today, Hiram Little’s story is coming home. On September 30, an imposing eight-foot statue honoring him will be unveiled at the Veterans Wall of Honor Park in downtown Eatonton. Created by internationally renowned sculptor Basil Watson, the monument will ensure that future generations see not only the likeness of Hiram Little, but also the courage, dignity, and quiet determination for which he stood. In this episode, I speak with Hiram’s son, Marshall Little, about the father behind the history, the man his family knew, loved, and admired. We are also joined by Kevin Tomson Hooper, who has led the effort to raise the funding, build community support, and transform this long-overdue tribute from an idea into a lasting reality. This is the story of a son, a soldier, a pioneer, and an American hero. It is also the story of a community reclaiming an important part of its own history. Hiram Little left Eatonton and helped change America. Now, in a very special way, he is coming home. Guest: Marshall Little - Hiram Little’s son Websites: Hiram Little Memorial Statue: https://theartisansvillage.org/hiram-little/ Sponsors: Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance https://mydowntownagency.com/ Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit https://loffc.net/ Second Chance Boutique https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/
