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Who is He? Henry Sherman was born to Monroe and Jamima Sherman July 30, 1917, in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.  He lived in Oklahoma until he enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Things were different then as he served in a still segregated platoon.  Henry served 2 years as an ammunition handler.  He was honorably discharged with character of excellence at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas in 1944.  In 1946 Henry moved to Oklahoma where he met and married our mother, Myrtle Haskins.  They had four children: Henry, Thomas, Loistene and Earline.  In the mid 50’s our family moved to Sacramento, California.  Then my father hitch-hiked from Sacramento to Ventura County looking for work.  He first found work as a farm laborer, and later worked at the Ventura Sanitation Department.  Our father worked hard and was a good provider for his family.  Henry Sherman was a wise man; he knew how to get along with everyone in difficult times.  Memories of my father include his delight to dance and have a good time.  My fondest memories include my father building my sister and I a play house with an old rug thrown over a wooden fence.  My father passed away in 1961, I was only eight years old.  Only his death separated my mother and father.  Every Veterans Day Henry Sherman’s flag is unfurled and his story is retold.  Although his grandchildren never met him, they received his legacy of hard work, patriotism, and passion for life.

 --Loistene Parks & Melonie Parks