WWII veterans embark on journey to Normandy for D-Day 80th anniversary

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Several local veterans have been selected to embark on a trip honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day; referring to June 6th 1944, marking the United States and allied forces invasion of the beaches of Normandy in Northern France during WWII.

The quest, organized by The Greatest Generation Foundation, is bringing veterans from across the country to Normandy for the notable milestone of a critical moment in global history. Zigfried “Ziggy” Weinthal served in Austria, Germany during the war, returning to the country where he first entered into the world.

“My father spent time in the concentration camp over there. About 6 months. He was finally released by Hitler’s right-hand man, Göring, because he fought for the Germans in WWI,” says Ziggy, explaining he was just age 11 at the time.

“My brother and I, we tried to go to school, we couldn’t – the German kids threw stones at us so it was just unbearable to go to school at that time.”

Ziggy and his family later made their way to Italy where they were able to catch a boat, the S.S. Washington, to New York City, eventually settling in Connecticut.

“It was like growing up altogether again after what I went through over there! Because it was no picnic what took place over there because they burnt down synagogues, they burned down schools, they raided homes for food. Oh, it was just unbearable what took place,” Ziggy said.

He eventually came to serve in as a Corporal in the 350th Infantry, stationed in Austria. There Ziggy helped to essentially ‘reprogram youth’ away from a Hitler-youth mentality, teaching the American way of life.

“We taught ’em how to box, how to play basketball, took them out on picnics and so on and so on,” Ziggy describes, with a beaming smile.

With a surprise Patriot Guard escort to the airport Wednesday morning, Ziggy, alongside fellow local veterans, departed for NYC for a special dinner. They’ll then board the Queen Mary, sailing to London for a 7-day voyage, culminating in veterans all over participating in the D-Day anniversary events on June 6th.

When Ziggy came home, he went to work as a hauler in Buffalo until 1958 when he re-enlisted, this time in the Navy. Following his service, Ziggy drove semi’s all over the east and west coast for more than 40 years, eventually being forced to retire in 2012 at age 86.

Joining alongside Ziggy is U.S. Navy veteran Joe Grossman. Affectionately described by his daughter as the ‘best jokester with the biggest heart,’ he describes his personality at the time he was 17-years-old.

“Just the same old rotten teenager who wants to get to do whatever he wants and that’s right; we were all teenagers, weren’t we, when that went on, right?” Grossman laughs, Ziggy, sitting next to him, exclaiming ‘Right!’ in response to the cue.

The trip all began with a surprise Patriot Guard escort to the airport, plaque commemoration and plenty of good company. Everyone met at Heather Heights assisted living facility in Pittsford for the sendoff.

“It was an honor to serve, and I have no regrets. And I don’t think any of the service men, or women and we’re forgetting the women who have been involved. I think there’s one in Rochester, she’s over 100, a servicewoman. But the fact remains is that we’re still around!” says Grossman.

He notes it can often be emotionally difficult for veterans to talk about what experiences they had while serving all those years ago, and at such formidable ages; Grossman provides his thoughts on the importance of folks of all ages taking the time to listen and learn.

“I know people are concerned. These are the families that lost the sons, the husbands, stuff like that- they remember,” he says.

When asked if there is anything he is most looking forward to, Grossman says, “Yes! To express myself when I come back to those who didn’t come with us.”

The Greatest Generations Foundation is an organization dedicated to honoring veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

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