Heroes of Normandy honored on D-Day+78 years

American Legion Family group pays tribute to those who liberated France from Nazi occupation.
On a rainy June 4 morning, National Commander Dillard, American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Daudistel and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox visit the grave of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. at the Normandy American Cemetery near Omaha Beach.
On a rainy June 4 morning, National Commander Dillard, American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Daudistel and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox visit the grave of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. at the Normandy American Cemetery near Omaha Beach.
Leaders of The American Legion Family place a floral spray at the Normandy American Cemetery on June 5.
Leaders of The American Legion Family place a floral spray at the Normandy American Cemetery on June 5.
American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Daudistel greets one of many World War II veterans near La Fiere Bridge June 5.
American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Daudistel greets one of many World War II veterans near La Fiere Bridge June 5.
National Commander Dillard and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox watch as the D-Day paratrooper drops are re-enacted near La Fiere Bridge on June 5.
National Commander Dillard and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox watch as the D-Day paratrooper drops are re-enacted near La Fiere Bridge on June 5.
National Commander Paul Dillard talks with Joshua and Rebecca Felker of Texas after the former Iraq infantry officer fulfilled a “bucket list” jump near La Fiere Bridge in Normandy, France.
National Commander Paul Dillard talks with Joshua and Rebecca Felker of Texas after the former Iraq infantry officer fulfilled a “bucket list” jump near La Fiere Bridge in Normandy, France.
National Commander Paul Dillard speaks before thousands at a ceremony June 5 at La Fiere Bridge in Normandy, France.
National Commander Paul Dillard speaks before thousands at a ceremony June 5 at La Fiere Bridge in Normandy, France.
Sons of The American Legion National Commander Mike Fox and American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard join AVA President Maurice Renaud and Ste. Mere-Eglise Mayor Alain Holley in a wreath-laying ceremony at La Fiere Bridge on June 5.
Sons of The American Legion National Commander Mike Fox and American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard join AVA President Maurice Renaud and Ste. Mere-Eglise Mayor Alain Holley in a wreath-laying ceremony at La Fiere Bridge on June 5.
Utah Beach now has a Lone Sailor Statue, to go along with 17 others like it throughout the United States and Guam.
Utah Beach now has a Lone Sailor Statue, to go along with 17 others like it throughout the United States and Guam.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Valerie Prehoda, a member of American Legion Post 1 in Paris, salutes during the June 6 ceremony to dedicate a Lone Sailor Statue at Utah Beach.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Valerie Prehoda, a member of American Legion Post 1 in Paris, salutes during the June 6 ceremony to dedicate a Lone Sailor Statue at Utah Beach.
American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard, center, prepares to place a wreath to remember the D-Day invasion during a ceremony on June 6 in Ste. Mere-Eglise.
American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard, center, prepares to place a wreath to remember the D-Day invasion during a ceremony on June 6 in Ste. Mere-Eglise.
National Commander Paul Dillard speaks at the unveiling of the Theodore Roosevelt Jr. “Statue of Liberation” at Ste. Mere-Eglise, with French translation support from Maurice Renaud, president of Amis des Veterans Americains, on June 6.
National Commander Paul Dillard speaks at the unveiling of the Theodore Roosevelt Jr. “Statue of Liberation” at Ste. Mere-Eglise, with French translation support from Maurice Renaud, president of Amis des Veterans Americains, on June 6.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley shares a moment with American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard at the unveiling of the Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. “Statue of Liberation” in Ste. Mere-Eglise June 6.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley shares a moment with American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard at the unveiling of the Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. “Statue of Liberation” in Ste. Mere-Eglise June 6.
The Roosevelt statue, sculpted by internationally known artist Pablo Eduardo, depicts the American Legion founder in the weeks before his death after coming ashore at Utah Beach on D-Day.
The Roosevelt statue, sculpted by internationally known artist Pablo Eduardo, depicts the American Legion founder in the weeks before his death after coming ashore at Utah Beach on D-Day.