It started out to be a warm gesture, to show an appreciation for our local Veterans of WWII.
Tryon’s Andy Millard intended to bring together eight or ten Veterans for a D-Day recognition program but it ended up with many more, as some 21 Veterans of that War came forward.
The planned small reception was held in the historic Tryon train depot where many had left for military duty after the call for America’s involvement in the War.
Instead of some 30 or 40 attendees, the room was overflowing with a crowd of 100 Veterans and their guests. Recognition was given to all Veterans that had served in other conflicts around the world since 1941.
Each of the WWII men and women that had served on D-Day were asked to speak of their location. A few were at or near Normandy’s beaches, while others were fighting on different fronts nearby.
The audience sat in silence as some told of fighting from the air as pilots or bombers or machine gunners. Other Veterans spoke of their contribution to the effort of ending the horrific war.
One mentioned his assignment of “rushing” food supplies to the starving civilians left behind after their communities had been devastated by the War.
Worldwide recognition was given to this year’s 70th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, and thanks to Millard, our county did its part by giving our local Veterans a special day to remember.
– article submitted
by John L. Johnson