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France Honors D-Day Vets |
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The fiftieth
anniversary of D-Day, the beginning of the Allies’ assault on Normandy during World
War II, was celebrated in France beginning in 1994, but the search for veterans who
participated in the historic event continues. As part of the memorial, 35,000 veterans
were presented with the "Jubile de Liberte" medal. The invasion of Normandy took place over a period of several months, from June to September, 1944. In 1991 Gov. Renee Garec of Normandy and the Normandy Regional Council commissioned the Jubilee of Liberty medal to recognize the contribution Allied soldiers made to restoring freedom to the French people. Because so many veterans could not make the trip to Europe for the commemoration at that time, the French government has sent medals to the United States for distribution to qualified veterans. Congressman Gary Ackerman (D) is requesting any veteran who participated in the D-Day landing to contact his office to register for a presentation celebration he will be holding in the near future. Veterans groups on Long Island helped organize similarly ceremonies this past year with the help of Congressman Rick Lazio. Lazio was joined by and French Consul General Richard Duqu as he presented the medals to Long Island veterans this summer. "It is vital that all D-Day Veterans who took part in this historical battle apply for this medal," Ackerman said. "We can never thank your armed services personnel enough for their service and sacrifice to our nation. It is of great importance that even 55 years later, our war heroes continue to receive the recognition they deserve." According to Ackerman the medal is also applicable to deceased D-Day veterans, so families of servicemen who have passed away or were killed in action are encouraged to apply as well. Anyone involved in the D-Day invasion from June through the end of August, 1944 is eligible for this honor. For information on the Jubiliee of Liberty Medal contact Congressman Gary Ackerman at (718) 4232154 or Congressman Rick Lazio at (631) 893-9010.
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