VFW observes 80th anniversary of D-Day

• Maddox Gima placed the VFW Memorial Wreath in honor of those who gave their lives on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and the days that followed.

Shelby County VFW Post 8904 conducted a Memorial Wreath Laying in observance of D-Day, June 6, 2024.

Post Commander Richard Lundie welcome attendees and offered a prayer.

“Heavenly father, we are gathered here to commemorate those who served and those who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy, June 6, 1944, and the days that followed. Let us always honor the memory of the brave men who sacrificed so that we can live in a country that is free. We ask your blessing upon us this day, amen.”

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Lundie said, “We are here today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of one of the most important dates in our history – commonly known as D-Day. Code named operation Overlord; D-Day was the turning point in World War II. June 6, 1944, saw the start of the largest air and sea operation in military history.

“On December 6, 1943, President Roosevelt appointed General Dwight D. Eisenhower as commander of the cross-channel operation. On D-Day, the allies landed around 156,000 troops, of which 73,000 were Americans.

“It is hard to conceive the epic scope of this decisive battle that foreshadowed the end of Hitler’s dream of Nazi domination. Overlord was the largest air, land, and sea operation undertaken before or since June 6, 1944. The landing included over 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 service men.

After years of meticulous planning and seemingly endless training, for the Allied Forces, it all came down to this: “The boat ramp goes down, then you jump, swim, run, and crawl to the cliffs. Many of the first young men (most not yet 20 years old) entered the surf carrying eighty pounds of equipment. They faced over 200 yards of beach before reaching the first natural feature offering any protection. Blanketed by small-arms fire and bracketed by artillery, they found themselves in hell. When it was over, the Allied Forces had suffered nearly 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead. Yet somehow, due to planning and preparation, and due to the valor, and sacrifice of the Allied Forces, Europe had been breached.

“There is no official casualty figure for D-Day. Total Allied casualties on D-Day are estimated at 10,000. The us forces lost over 6,600 men.

“Today, we take time to reflect on what took place on the beaches at Normandy and appreciate the sacrifice made by so many. Those beaches were code named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.”

Maddox Gima placed the VFW Memorial Wreath in honor of those who gave their lives on June 6, 1944, and the days that followed.

Past Post Commander Gene Hutto sounded taps as a final tribute.

“Thank you for being here today,” Lundie concluded. “Without remembrance, sacrifice is meaningless. In the words of President Abraham Lincoln – ‘That these dead shall not have died in vain.’

Ed. Note: VFW Post 8904 will host a free Veterans Breakfast June 15, 2024, at 8 a.m., at Estrella’s Mexican Restaurant, 224 Tenaha Street in Center. All veterans are cordially invited.

For questions or more information, contact Larry E. Hume, VFW Post 8904 Quartermaster at 936-332-0349.