Today marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the initiation of Operation Overlord that saw Allied troops reclaim Omaha Beach in Normandy, beginning the liberation of France from the Axis powers and setting the stage for victory in the European Theater of World War II.
Communities, installations, and officials across the country are marking the occasion.
“Around 156,000 Allied forces bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy and successfully combated German forces, which marked the turning point of World War II,” said Kentucky House District 25 Representative Steve Bratcher. “Although the operation was successful, 4,000 Allied troops paid the ultimate sacrifice that day. This week, let us remember the courage that was displayed and the sacrifices that were made by those service members as they worked to defeat the Nazi regime and fight for our freedom.”
About 150 American, about 50 British, and 15 Canadian World War II veterans are in Normandy today to participate in what many officials anticipate will be the final major anniversary of D-Day with living veterans in attendance. Among the military units participating in the festivities in France is the Kentucky Air National Guard, which will fly a C-130J Super Hercules donned with a historic livery for the occasion.
Wreaths Across America says there are 165 Kentucky soldiers buried at the Normandy American Cemetery, and the names of 14 Kentucky soldiers are listed on the cemetery’s Tablet of the Missing.
