Uncle Frank's Dutch Family
Michael Johnson reminds readers that the Dutch beautifully remember the Allies' sacrifice in World War II by adopting gravesites at the Netherlands American Cemetery (Letters, May 28). The wait list for doing so is longer than one year, he notes, 'as most have been adopted and are passed down from one generation to the next.'
The tradition is personal for me. In June 2019, after attending the 75th-anniversary commemorations of D-Day in Normandy, France, I travelled to Margraten to visit my great uncle's grave. I was the first in my family to have seen Frank A. Johnson since he departed for Europe in the autumn of 1944. During my visit I was met by Frank's 'adoptive' family: a wonderful husband and wife, who, having never met me before, drove three hours to join me at the site. They both said that if it 'were not for men like your great uncle Frank, we would probably still be speaking German.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
On D-Day invasion anniversary, Colorado WWII hero honored with park bench
DENVER (KDVR) — Hector M. Flores served, fought and was wounded in Europe after the D-Day invasion during World War II. But when he returned to Colorado, he didn't receive a hero's welcome. Navy veteran of Korea, Vietnam and Cold War honored as 'Hero of the Month' Now, a group called Leadership Veteran is trying to change that. They dedicated a park bench to the late Army sergeant on Friday, 81 years after the Normandy invasion that turned the tide of the war, and led to an allied victory. The bench sits in a park in Denver's Baker neighborhood that already bears Flores' name. 'I can't believe this is happening today from my father's memory,' his daughter, Stella Acosta, told FOX31. 'Not only (does this honor) the legacy of a decorated World War II veteran, but the legacy of a family whose spirit ripples through this community in ways many of us do not even realize,' Flor Alvidrez, Denver City Council member, said during a short dedication ceremony. A plaque on the bench details Flores' service in the Army in World War II, and how he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Hearts while fighting in Italy. In October 1944, Flores ran up a hill, took out enemy machine gun operators and captured five German soldiers, and Army field reports show, he did it all with few casualties to his men. Like many Mexican-Americans, Flores served his country proudly, was honorably discharged, yet had trouble finding work when he got back home to Colorado. 'It was really clear early on that this was just an Army vet who had not been well honored,' said Ellen Winiarczyk, associate professor and creator of the College of Professional Studies' Nonprofit Leadership Master's program at the University of Denver. Not long ago, the Leadership Veteran program, a group that brings together leaders of non-profits that help veterans throughout the area, heard Flores' story and decided to do something to honor him. 'This (park bench) is actually one of the early service projects that the group has embraced to be able to celebrate a World War II veteran here in our Denver community,' she said. Denver bar announces final day of business after nearly 30 years They hope the plaque will serve as a permanent tribute not just to Hector's heroism, but also to the struggles he faced. They want future generations to know the story of Hector M. Flores. 'I feel the power of legacy,' Alvidrez said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Remembering South Dakotans who died at Normandy
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Eighty-one years ago on Friday, allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, to try and liberate western Europe from Germany during World War II. A local historian has made the trip to Normandy a few times to remember the South Dakotans who played a role in the historical invasion known as D-Day. Recess program gets dogs out of the shelter for a day The landings at Normandy involved a massive amphibious assault, with nearly 160,000 troops who were under heavy fire. 'It's hard to believe that anybody would have been able to step out into that,' local historian Rick Tupper said. Tupper has traveled to Normandy three times. His most recent trip was last year. 'It's very moving and emotional especially when you get on the cemetery. I wish every American could go there because it is an experience,' Tupper said. Tupper says the invasion was a turning point in the war, as it allowed the Allies to gain a foothold on the Continent and eventually defeat Nazi Germany. Tupper says South Dakotans can be proud of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 'While I was there I had the opportunity to research some of the South Dakotans who are buried in the Normandy cemetery. One of them was 19-year-old Glenn Dow of Sioux Falls,. So 50 minutes after the invasion started he landed on Omaha Beach. Unfortunately he stepped on a landmine and was killed, so he's buried at the Normandy American Cemetery,' said Tupper. There are still 51 South Dakotans buried in the Normandy Cemetery, but some were brought home and laid to rest here. Like soldier, Harvey Henle, who is buried in the St. Michaels Cemetery. 'Harvey was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, so probably in the early morning hours on June 6th, he jumped into Normandy, unfortunately on June 7th he was killed,' Tupper said. So, as Americans commemorate the 81st anniversary, Tupper is reminded of the three times he traveled to the hallowed grounds where so many Americans lost their lives. 'So to stand there and know what went on there 81 years ago, it's meaningful and I think we as Americans it's important that we remember that,' Tupper said. There are more than 9,000 Americans still buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
From gratitude to action: Group gathers to honor veterans on D-Day
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Eighty-one years ago today, Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in what's become known as D-Day, which laid the foundation for the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II. Friday evening, veterans and members of the community gathered in Forsyth Park to honor the occasion. The event featured speeches by members of various military branches, as well as Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. They also provided information about support services for veterans in our area. The gathering was hosted by 50501 Savannah. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
