March 9, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Family and friends joined WW II Veterans Edward and Edsel Frazier (twins) in celebrating their 93rd birthday Saturday at the Smithville First Baptist Church. Governor Bill Lee sent letters to the Frazier twins with his regards.
Barbeque sandwiches and other refreshments were served up as well as a birthday cake. Guests also signed giant birthday cards for the Frazier brothers.
“I understand you are celebrating a special 93rd birthday on March 13. I am pleased to join you, your family, friends, and the City of Smithville in wishing you a very happy birthday,” wrote the Governor in his letters to the Fraziers.
“On behalf of all Tennesseans, I would like to thank you for your contributions to our great state and nation over the past ninety three years. Your lifetime of achievements, including your service in World War II and your tenure as Mayor of Smithville and a US Postal employee, serve as an example of good citizenship for all Tennesseans . You should be proud of these accomplishments throughout your long life.”
IMG_4810 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
“Maria and I send our best wishes for a joyous birthday celebration on a very special day”
“Warmest regards, Bill Lee”.
IMG_4801 from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Edward’s daughter and Edsel’s niece Susan D. Frazier Hinton wrote a “Happy Birthday to the Frazier Twins” poem for the occasion which she shared with both of them during the celebration Saturday
“Now you know you’re 93 and it is never too late you know. To enjoy your life just as you wish and so-If you want to get up early, or sleep in as well. No one should worry—just turn off the alarm bell.”
“Just wander around in your own chosen time, space, or world. Take a ride, a stroll, or just buy a Dairy Queen swirl.”
“You’ve surely earned this retired phase of your life- Because you have both been through many a strife.”
“So eat, walk, or watch a favorite western, Tennessee basketball, or more on the tube. Don’t even worry or fret if someone thinks you’re a boob.”
“You’ve been responsible; you’ve work long and hard hours too. It’s time for others to take on the tasks that you both once knew.”
“You can spend your days with a plan—or simply none at all. Enjoy every minute and please—just have a ball.”
“Your family and friends all love you so much! You’re an inspiration, a joy, and so many you may touch.”
“By your inspirational lives and the giving way you live each day. Self-lessly without expecting anything in return-you always say.”
“God blessed us with you both so generously throughout the years. You’ve shared with your family, friends, and loved ones far and near.”
“So, wishing you the best 93rd birthday yet! Here’s to living your lives without the slightest regret.”
“We love you, Susan and Jerry.”
*”Written on the occasion of the birthday of my Dad, Edward, and my Uncle Edsel who have always given me more than enough love.”
Edward and Edsel were born to Hassie and Robert Lee Frazier on Dry Creek in DeKalb County on March 13, 1926.
The Frazier brother twins were inducted at Camp Forrest, Tennessee during World War II at 18 years of age. Edward and Edsel both started in the 99th Army Infantry Division and served with General Hodges and General George Patton while crossing the Blue Danube. The twins walked across the bridge at the landing of Normandy in the icy cold water. Their boots were frozen along with the rest of them.
Both have stories about the extreme weather conditions and surviving the war with Edward even going into an old farm house to stay next to a cow to try and get warm. Edward still credits that cow with saving his life after he was separated from the others in his platoon. The other soldiers in the company that night thought he was dead when he turned up missing, but had a good laugh when he finally caught up. These are a few of the memories they love to share, but there were many memories too painful to relay. Edward always talks about seeing so much hunger and to this day has trouble seeing people throw their food away wastefully. Both of the guys couldn’t wait to get back to their home state of Tennessee after the war and to roam in the hills of Dry Creek where they were both born.
Their Rank: Private 1st Class; Edward was recommended for Master Sergeant at the end of the war, but was too anxious to return home to stay in the army. He recalls the joy when told the war was over and everyone was returning home.
Edward and Edsel earned various medals including two battle stars, I Eastern Rhine, 1 European Theatre-medals, along with other awards. During the war, Edsel was hospitalized while Edward’s troop moved on so the guys were separated briefly during the war. The men were discharged in Fort Logan, Colorado in Denver at the end of the war.
A reporter talked to the guys and Edward laughingly told him that they were named by their father who loved his old Model T so much he named them after the Ford’s, Henry Edsel and Henry Edward. This was picked up by the AP Wire and sent all across the U.S. about the Ford Twins.
Through the years, the guys have both contributed much to the community with Edward being active in politics and serving on numerous county committees as well as being elected Mayor of Smithville for two terms. Edsel was a U.S. Postal employee and retired from that position and is also a member of the Shriners. Both have played key positions with their local VFW and American Legion organizations with Edward serving as Commander for many years.