A common thread: Veteran and Legionnaire

I had the greatest honor of visiting Normandy in early June for the 72nd anniversary of D-Day invasion. My children, Kathalyn and Joseph, and wife Donna also had the honor of attending and being by my side. The beaches my children visited were far from ordinary. They were code-named Omaha and Utah in the D-Day invasion of World War II that led to the liberation of Europe from Axis tyranny. A weekend there, culminating with remembrance ceremonies at the Normandy American Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc, included the opportunity for them to meet some of the veterans who fought in Normandy during the World War II invasion and to see the massive international appreciation of what the invasion meant to the future of a free world.

During my time in France I was taken aback by the prominence The American Legion is given. This occurred to me as I was seated between a four-star general and the U.S. Ambassador to France. That speaks volumes about The American Legion’s message. It was also incredible the number of Legionnaires from across the country who came up to us to express their appreciation to The American Legion and Auxiliary, as well as local nationals who shared their appreciation that The American Legion family honors those who served, no matter when.

A special moment during my trip that I will always hold dear was the time I sat in the shade near historic La Fiere Bridge in Normandy, France, watching the parachute jumps along with four World War II veterans. After talking with them, the four men realized that World War II service was not their only common denominator. They were all Legionnaires.

Hartley Baird, a member of Post 750 in Bethel Park, Pa., served in the 9th Army Air Force, 30th Air Depot Group, in Beauvies, France, during World War II. Marcus Bartusek, a member of Post 110 in Manley, Iowa, fought in the Battle of the Bulge with the 106th Division, as did Henry Breton, a member of Post 2 in Augusta, Maine. Vern Shoemaker, a member of Post 379 in Cawker City, Kan., was in the Navy during World War II.

World War II heroes who are also Legionnaires are in your post, in your community. The amount of thanks we give will never feel like enough to the greatest generation.