Late WWII veteran honored in Lynchburg

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LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - They held a final salute to one of their own at the Monument Terrace Troop Rally in Lynchburg.

Earl Washington, 95, passed away Sunday. The World War II veteran served in the Red Ball Express. The convoy line, staffed mostly with African American soldiers, moved supplied through Europe after D-Day.

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A friend who helped make Washington's arrangements scattered part of his ashes where they meet weekly. He also presented Washington's daughter, Mary Frances Stewart-Benjamin, with a locket containing her father's ashes.

Stewart-Benjamin said her father would tell her when she planned to visit from Maryland not to show up between noon and 1p.m. on Fridays, because he'd be at the rally.

"I'm going to come and stand for Earl today, because I know this meant a lot to him," said Stewart-Benjamin. "Since last week was his last week, I'll stand for him today and I'm so honored to do that."

Washington had attended the weekly rally for the last ten years.

A memorial service will be held for Washington at 2p.m. Saturday at the Community Funeral Home Chapel in Lynchburg.