Edward Tatum with newspaper clippings of his services in the Guard.
By Charlotte Smith
November marks the special time of year when we pay tribute to both Veterans and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Here at BladenOnline.com, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. To honor their dedication, we’re thrilled to introduce our new video series, “A Veteran’s Service,” showcasing the remarkable stories of local military heroes.
In this edition, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ed Tatum, a cherished member of the Bladen County community. Mr. Tatum is not only a distinguished Army Veteran but also a devoted husband, a loving father, a successful entrepreneur, a talented member of the renowned Wilmington Celebration Choir, and a close friend to the acclaimed artist Karen Peck, among many other talents and qualities. While the list of accolades for Mr. Tatum is extensive, our focus was to delve into his remarkable military journey.
Tatum’s journey into the Army began in the 1970s when he was drafted. He served with distinction in the Old Guard, where his duties included guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. With great pride, he recounted his role in the solemn funeral of Col. William Nolde, the last casualty in the Vietnam War. Tatum’s service also involved participation in induction ceremonies, where one cherished memory was the induction of General Hayes, featuring the legendary Bob Hope.
Tatum’s extraordinary story even found its way to the big screen when he was featured in Ethan Morris’ documentary, “The Unknowns,” emphasizing the significance of guarding the Unknown Tombs. These tombs stand as tributes to those in the military who not only sacrificed their lives but also their identities in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Currently, Tatum is actively collaborating with a committee of fellow Veterans to pay tribute to the Unknown Soldier of World War II on November 11, 2021. Following our interview, he received a call from a producer who wished to feature his remarkable journey in another film.
To discover more about Ed Tatum and his remarkable service, we invite you to watch his captivating story on our YouTube Channel.
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