September 2024 Lights of Peace Flag Honors : CPL. Alexander Barros.

During the month of September, the 60th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of United States Army CPL Alexander “Alex” Antone Barros who served

during the Korean War era from 1951 to 1953.

Barros was born on July 6, 1928, in New Bedford, MA and was a lifelong resident of the city of New Bedford. He was the son of the late Albertino Barros and Olivia (Correia) Barros and the husband of Angelina “Angie” (Ferreira) Barros.

He was inducted in the United States Army on January 30, 1951, at the age of 22 as an E-1. He was attached to the First Army in the Signal Corp Division BTG, SCRTC at Camp Gordon, GA.

The United States Army Signal Corps (USASC) is a branch of the United States Army that creates and manages communications and information systems for the command and control of combined Armed Forces.

Barros served as a cook and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in February 1952. He completed his service on January 29, 1953. Barros was honorably discharged after completing his service obligation and was assigned to the reserves.

Alex was the owner and operator of the Butter Bread Bakers, a well-known bakery located on Nash Road in New Bedford. According to his family, he learned bread-baking from his father who owned the business before him. As a child, Alex would work for his father delivering bread in the morning and during school hours he would fall asleep at his desk in the daytime, then work again at the bakery at night. “Back then a dime bought you a dozen donuts or three loaves of bread,” according to his obituary.

He married his wife Angelina “Angie” (Ferreira) in 1958 and she worked at the bakery with him until their retirement in February 1989. It was not only the end of his career but also the end of a 63-year family tradition.

Barros was also part owner of Shawmut Liquors. He was also a member of the Panthers Athletic and Social Club, a member of the Society of Senhor da Pedra and a member of the Ponta Delgada Club.

Alex Barros passed away on August 11, 1997, at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, Angelina; his son, Joseph A. Barros of Rochester; his daughter, Virginia M. Barros of New Bedford; a niece and a great nephew.

He was the son of the late Albertino Barros and Olivia (Correia) Barros and the brother of the late Lillian Paiva.