The public is invited to an informal lunch event marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day assault on Normandy this Friday at noon.
Several local businesses are contributing to the effort to recognize and thank members of the “greatest generation.” But the real draw will be the presence of about 10 World War II veterans.
Andy Millard thought of the idea recently when he realized that this year is the 70th since the historic beach assault that turned the tide of World War II. “I thought, what would people give for a chance to talk with someone who fought in the First World War, or the Civil War or the Revolutionary War?” Millard said. “Those soldiers are all long gone. We need to seize the chance to talk with these men and women – and thank them — while some of them are still around.”
Fifteen years ago there were nearly 6 million surviving veterans of the war according to the National WWII Museum. Today that number is barely 1 million, and it’s dropping at the rate of 555 a day.
Veterans planning to attend Friday’s event include Jack Jolley, Frank Smith, James Bodie, Harold Taylor, Jim Jackson, Howard Greene, Leroy McCraw and Audrey Collins, who was a WAC during the war. (Other names were not available at press time.)
There is no charge for the event, but if you plan to attend the organizers ask that you let them know by calling 828-859-7001or emailing Michele@low-stress-investing.com.
Area businesses are teaming up to put on the event. Mountain View BBQ will provide the lunch. Happy McLeod will prepare a flower arrangement for the buffet table. The Tryon Daily Bulletin is providing publicity. Erik Olsen will film the event for posterity. Millard & Company is providing the venue (the depot building on Depot Street). Nature’s Storehouse, Mary & Morris, the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, TDDA and other businesses are providing financial support and items for gift bags.

– article submitted
by Michele Deudne