Montgomery County commissioners mark D-Day anniversary

NORRISTOWN — A historic anniversary was acknowledged during last week’s Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting as elected officials observed 80 years since D-Day.

The monumental day when Allied forces landed in Normandy, France, was one experts say marked a turning point in World War II.

While the anniversary was observed thousands of miles away with World War II veterans and dignitaries in attendance, leaders in Norristown paused to commemorate the day that Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello characterized “changed the course of our world.”

“The men and women that participated throughout World War II are commended for all of their service and all their hard work and all their dedication,” he said.

Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder agreed as she recalled watching the ceremonial proceedings broadcasted on Good Morning America.

“This anniversary is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience displayed during one of the most significant military operations in our …world’s history,” she said, recognizing the “bravery and sacrifice of the Allied Forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944.”

There were 73,000 American troops who landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944, by air and sea, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. Winder and Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija spotlighted nine soldiers from Montgomery County who fought. She stressed they “take a moment to honor them as well.”

Among them still living are Jack Goodrich, a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force who won the Chinese Gold Medal of Honor in 1945, and Abner Edward Younger, of the Montford Point Marines, who, according to a Montgomery County spokesperson, was one of the first African-Americans to enlist in the Marines, and recently received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service.”

Additionally, U.S. Army Corps 2nd Lt. Alan Shapiro, of Blue Bell, was recognized and gave a speech while in Normandy on June 6.

“It’s really extraordinary that we’re able to have people that we can still recognize today who were there,” Makhija said.

DiBello marveled at the sense of “pride during that time” as he shared anecdotes about increased interest in military service among young people. He underscored that “their heroism and valor displayed on that day is particularly unimaginable for us today.”

“It’s a shame because that is known as the greatest generation,” DiBello said. “There’s very few left across the world and a lot of them that made the trip there today might not be around to make that trip again.”

The D-Day anniversary comes just weeks after Memorial Day when people honor the memories of service members who’ve lost their lives. Veterans, volunteers and representatives from the Montgomery County Office of Veteran Affairs planted flags at gravesites and outside the Montgomery County Courthouse to pay tribute. Several parades and services were also held on Memorial Day across the county.

But DiBello emphasized that people think of those killed in action.

“Throughout the day, just take a few minutes to remember those who gave their lives, and sacrificed so much for us so (that we are) where we are today,” he said. “It’s so important and allows us to have the freedoms that we have…”