On this, the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy, more widely known as European D-Day, we remember those who served and those who lost their lives in World War II. D-Day is the day American troops arrived via water, air, or land in Normandy, France, and began the American engagement in the war in Europe. D-Day was the beginning of the liberation of France from German forces and the start of the end of the war in Europe. It is important on these anniversaries to remember the sacrifices made by American troops as we move further and further from that fateful day and towards a time in which the veterans who witnessed the atrocities of war first hand are no longer around to share their stories, and the stories of their fallen brothers and sisters in arms. D-Day has become a day of remembrance not only of the American lives lost, but also the lives of American allies and of prisoners taken by all involved in the war both as prisoners of war and those incarcerated in concentration and internment camps. 

One way of remembering the sacrifices made by American soldiers in World War II in the European and Pacific theaters of war is attending celebrations and parades throughout the year such as Wantagh’s Memorial Day parade followed by a ceremony at the Wantagh American Legion. Outside of Wantagh, there are events on Long Island such as Old Bethpage’s Museum of American Armor’s reenactment of a World War II amphibious landing this June, as well as an essay contest that will send the winner and a parent or guardian to Normandy for an 11 day tour of battle sites. Another option for those willing to travel is John Bassilone day in New Jersey which celebrates an American Marine and Medal of Honor recipient for his involvement in the Gaudecanal campaign and the storming of Iwo Jima, during which he lost his life. Other events include ceremonies and commemorations locally and nationally to honor the 2,501 American lives lost out of the 133,000 American, British and Canadian troops who stormed Normandy on D-Day, as well as the 418,640 Americans killed and 671,278 injured in total throughout the second world war. 

An additional, outstanding way to remember and connect with those who took part in the liberation of France and lower European countries and fought in the pacific was displayed during the 2022-23 school year when Wantagh Students, accompanied by World War II veterans, traveled to New Orleans for three days of reflection, celebration, and education of the war and those involved in it. The students applied for the opportunity to attend the trip put on by the Gary Sinise Foundation through essays expressing their desire to experience the trip for themselves. In a statement to the Long Island Herald, Wantagh School District Superintendent John McNamara stated that in his 29 years of traveling experience with students, he has “never had [an experience] quite like the three days that [he] had.” Many of the students who attended the trip to New Orleans came home raving about their once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some of the veterans that were paired with Wantagh Students even came to the class of 2023 graduation ceremony last June. Along with the 20 students in attendance, faculty chaperones Mr. John McNamara, Dr. Paul Guzzone, Br. Christopher Widmann, Ms. Julie Rosslee, Ms. Iris Kline, Ms. Maria Prisco, Ms. Deanna Pepe, and Mr. Billy Jackson, who is a veteran himself, also took part in this monumental trip for Wantagh.

The importance of remembrance and education can never be understated when it comes to world changing events such as D-Day or the entirety of such historically significant events as the wars fought for our free nation and the freedom of others. 80 years later, an emphasis must be put on the study and remembrance of World War II and the men and women who valiantly lead their country and the world to freedom from tyrannical, unjust forces.