On 80th anniversary of D-Day, Post members pay homage

CHESTERTOWN — Storm clouds gave way to piercing sunlight on Thursday, June 6, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the John H. Newnam Armory at 509 S. Cross St., Chestertown.

Members of the Frank M. Jarman American Legion Post 36 came to pay homage to those soldiers lost on the beaches of Normandy that bleak day in 1944.

Of the 2,501 US troops who died, many were from here.

At the foot of the stone monument, post members laid a wreath and flowers donated by The Mill of Kingstown, showing the Legion is just as active in the community as when they had their building at 9155 American Legion Road.

The monument reads: “In grateful tribute to the men of the medical detachment of the 115th Infantry Regiment Maryland National Guard, both living and dead this shrine is dedicated. Their valiant efforts helped preserve freedom in America, 1941-1945.”

At that sacred spot, incoming Post Commander Tim Lloyd, a veteran of the Navy, provided remarks.

“We lost some good people, and their sacrifice gave us our freedom today.”

Commander Paul Showalter talked about the clandestine nature of the mission the Kent County soldiers trained for at the Armory.

“Two days prior to June 6, 1944, the activity to get prepared to go to Normandy wasn’t mentioned in (President) Roosevelt’s fireside chats,” he said.

Roosevelt only hinted at it.

In the armory, built in 1931, was where those soldiers trained. From that training area, men went to the European theater and engaged in the largest amphibious invasion in military history, a battle that changed the trajectory of World War II.