Day honors those who died in service

June 6, 1944 — The D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, now 80 years ago.

A total of 156,000 Allied troops targeted five beaches in northwestern France, there were 73,000 Americans, 62,000 from England and 21,000 from Canada. A total of 4,414 including 2,501 Americans were killed that day. 

One landing craft named "Infantry" had 200 soldiers on it. It was hit by artillery and exploded killing all 200 aboard. Overall, more than 6,000 were wounded. 

A total of 12 soldiers and sailors, including nine posthumously earned the Medal of Honor during the battle for Normandy. 

The first cemetery, now known as the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-Sur-Mer was established just two days later June 8, 1944, as they had to take care of the dead. 

One year I happened to be in France and visited this cemetery at Omaha Beach on Memorial Day. It was a big deal. I was chosen along with some other war veterans to participate in the lowering of the enormous flag that day. Two of our group were World War II veterans.

It was a heartwarming experience that I treasure to this day.