WWII soldiers honored at Jonesborough D-Day ceremony

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – Thursday marks 80 years since the D-Day Invasion on the beaches of Normandy.

A ceremony was held at the Jonesborough Senior Center Thursday morning to honor those who served on the historic day.

Three Washington County area veterans who served on D-Day were remembered and honored during the ceremony. Their nephews attended the event, and they shared stories of their uncles’ sacrifices.

“We don’t want to forget the thousands of people that gave their lives or who were injured on D-Day or in Korea. All of the veterans from all wars,” said Al Hamlett with the Jonesborough Veterans Memorial Committee.

Hamlett’s uncle was killed while taking part in the D-Day invasion.

“He never got to have a family and never got to have kids and get married,” Hamlett said. “He sacrificed his life, as well as him and thousands of other young men.”

Hamlett told News Channel 11 that he wants everyone to remember the sacrifice made by all veterans.

“We need to respect the veterans because so many of them lost their lives,” he said. “So many have lost limbs. The sacrifice that they gave to basically make this a free country, and they fought for our freedom.”

During the ceremony, candles were lit for each of the three local soldiers, and photos of their lives in Washington County were shared.

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