TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Vietnam veteran makes his way to Tallahassee every April 8th to honor his fallen comrade.
Larry Jackson, who lives in Albany, was a door gunner on Joe Harris’ helicopter. The duo were on their way to fly cover for another aircraft on that fateful day in 1972 when they were shot down.
Jackson survived, but Harris, who grew up in the Capital City,- did not. Every year on the day of his passing, Jackson visits Harris’ grave to pay his respects.
“I have survivors guilt so bad that he died and I didn’t,” said Jackson. “It just tears me up inside all the time to know that he could have been here instead of me. It is so important to me to pay my respects to me to let him know he is not forgotten. No matter what, he will never be forgotten.”
Jackson said it took him a while to find where Harris was buried. He found the gravesite a little over a decade ago, and has been back every year since.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.