Events were held in Kansas on Thursday to observe the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Europe during World War II.
A ceremony was held at Veterans Memorial Park in Wichita with the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
The Eisenhower Foundation held events in Abilene, Kansas at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, including a Meet a World War II Veteran Reception, a Remembrance Ceremony, a Veterans Panel, free admission to the museum, military reenactors, hands-on education programs, and other events. The event is free and open to the public.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly spoke at the event.
Led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the Allied armies’ land, air, and sea forces in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. This historic event turned the tide of World War II and led to the eventual Allied victory over Nazi Germany.
A photo exhibit opened earlier this week, and the Foundation commissioned French Photographer Fabrice Bourge to curate a special exhibit for the Eisenhower Museum to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Bourge has a collection of almost 20 years of photographs that capture the D-Day ceremonies and events in Normandy, France. The exhibit will highlight photos that demonstrate the respect and gratitude that Normans show to veterans during these annual D-Day events.
