If you live in Duluth, you can’t help but notice the crosses and flags set out for all of our area veterans who have died in various wars. Everyone has heard the story of Alice Harrell Strickland, who was the first woman mayor of Duluth (and the first woman mayor in Georgia). However, did you know that two of her sons were in the military?

Newton Harrell Strickland (1884-1960) was a graduate of Georgia Tech, and made the military his career. He served in the United States Army in France and Germany in both World War I and World War II. After World War II he retired as a colonel.

Glenn B. Strickland

Glenn Beauregard Strickland (1886-1967) graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1909. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in World War I and was a commander in World War II. He was also one of the first Naval aviators. He was the 34th to get his wings, but he was the first to request flight training in 1909. According to a letter his son, Glenn G. Strickland, wrote to his cousin, Alice Ziegler, on 17 Jan 1975, he wrote:

“His request was returned to him from the Navy Department, saying ‘At this time, the Navy does not have any need for officers with the ability to fly aeroplanes. Nor, is any need anticipated. If the situation changes, you will be notified.’ That’s why he is number 34 instead of number 1. But, #1, T. E. Ellyson, was killed in an airplane crash in 1928, so it’s probably all for the best. As a matter of fact, he outlived all the first 24. Only three earlier aviators outlived him.”

We would love to compile more Duluth-area veterans’ stories. Please contact us at duluthhistorical@gmail.com with your story. Thanks to all our veterans for the service they have provided over the years!