Where veterans feel like rock stars
American Legion National Commander Mike Helm talks with DDay veterans near La Fiere Bridge in Normandy, France. He and American Legion Auxiliary President Janet Jefford are in Normandy to honor the 71st anniversary of the invasion that ultimately led to Allied victory in Europe in World War II. Photo by Jeff Stoffer

Where veterans feel like rock stars

D-Day veteran Joel "Jody" Lander of Texas fought his way across Europe with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division and didn't get a scratch. Sunday near the scene of one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. military history, Lander's only concern was writer's cramp from signing autographs.

"I've never been treated so royally," he said during the annual parachute jump over the Merderet River near La Fiere Bridge to commemorate the anniversary of the invasion that ultimately led to victory in Europe in World War II. "I'm just astounded. I feel like a rock star.

Lander and about a dozen other American veterans of World War II received a warm reception from thousands who attended the commemoration, including American Legion National Commander Mike Helm and American Legion Auxiliary National President Janet Jefford.

Helm and Jefford laid wreaths at the statue of Iron Mike, which overlooks the river plain that was critical for the Americans to secure in June 1944.

Helm was among the dignitaries who spoke at Sunday's ceremony."We stand here today, on hallowed ground, where heroes gave up all of their tomorrows so that we might have ours," he told the crowd. "For them and all they were able to accomplish in 1944, we are forever grateful."

La Fiere Bridge was essential for the Americans to secure in order to protect troops and equipment moving toward headquarters at Ste. Mere Eglise. Paratroopers and glider men fought for four bloody days to remove German soldiers and tanks positioned at a church on the opposite side of the river plain. Hundreds were killed before the Americans reached and took control of the church, having destroyed three German tanks along the way.

Helm and Jefford helped unveil a new marble plaque attached to the famous Iron Mike statue. The plaque is dedicated to the 82nd Airborne Division and the sacrifices made by its parachute infantry regiments and gliders.

Following that, three D-Day veterans, including Lander, received the prestigious French Legion of Honor.


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