A Brotherhood of Beaufort Heroes
Legends of our time share life over bacon, eggs and coffee.
Get ready for the magic with legends and legacies of historical significance, as you enjoy “Breakfast with Heroes” at the Blackstone Cafe in Beaufort.
I first heard of the group through William Lanier, who gathers with legendary men of Beaufort for fellowship over coffee, bacon, and eggs every Wednesday. He says, “Call me Steve.”
No topic is off the table, except for politics, which could disrupt the spirit of the gathering. Stories shared, words of gratitude, and encouragement to one another are sure to bring smiles and a few tears to their faces. Here is a safe place where they can pour their hearts out and speak of the triumphs and horrors they endured in life and overseas. Somehow breaking bread together breaks down any barriers and paves the road for making conversation a little bit easier.
As a subscriber to Substack, Lanier knew I was from Beaufort and wanted me to know about “Breakfast with Heroes.” They range in age from between 100 to the high 80s. Together they have 980 years of life, learning, and lessons. He tells us ”Listen to what your elders say, for someday you will put it to great use.”
Enthralling stories they tell of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam - wisdom from years and years of life well lived.
Lanier invited me to the Blackstone Cafe for breakfast a few weeks ago where I listened as he spoke of life. He was born and raised in Tarboro, North Carolina where he experienced the impact of the civil rights movement on his community and family. “Mother was the Rosa Parks of her hometown and stood for what was right without regard for her safety.” Indeed it took a brave woman to stand against the currents of the past and those who fought against change. But Lanier remembers that era and tells his story with a genuine pride only a son could have for his mother.
Several men have lived in Beaufort their entire lives and tell tales of long ago before we had a bridge connecting the sea islands to the mainland.
There’s a special tradition at the Blackstone Cafe that I especially like. At 8 a.m. every morning, they ring a bell and everyone in the restaurant stands at attention, salutes the American flag, and says the Pledge of Allegiance. They honor our country and the men who served to protect our freedom.
I came away grateful for my time spent with a true hero who served our country well and now has a place of camaraderie with a brotherhood of men who share life and can tell it like it is. A great privilege.
Through this film perhaps more men will be inspired to form their own brotherhood, supporting one another and sharing life for the good times, the bad times and everything in between. Sharing is a way of healing especially face to face. No text message or email can ever replace the act of sitting down with friends, breaking bread together with genuine conversation.
Be sure to see Breakfast in Beaufort at Beaufort’s International Film Festival
February 18-23, 2025.
Since its formation in 2009, the Beaufort Film Society has forged a presence for filmmaking in Beaufort County and the state of South Carolina. By producing an internationally respected film festival in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Island, they have raised awareness of the culture and history of this great region.
For information:
beaufortfilmfestival.com
