WWII Veterans Celebrate D-Day in Normandy Despite Passport Issues
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A group of World War II veterans traveled to Normandy to commemorate the 79th anniversary of D-Day in a touching show of appreciation and remembering. Delta Air Lines and the American public came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served their nation during World War II.
Andy Negra, a war veteran who served in the Army, almost didn't return to Normandy because he didn't have a passport. Negra was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, without a birth certificate, which presented an unforeseen challenge.
Luckily, weeks before they departed from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sabrina Cornelius, executive assistant in global sales for Delta Air Lines, stepped up to make sure both Negra and Jimmy Doi, another WWII veteran, acquired passports.
After having the chance to help such courageous people, Cornelius said, "It is delightful. I feel very privileged. Being a part of this, even somewhat, has been an incredible experience. To see their joy at the prospect of a Delta flight to Normandy was priceless."
Delta and the Best Defense Foundation worked together to organize the trip, the second year a U.S. passenger airline directly flew veterans to Normandy.
Donnie Edwards, the founder of the Best Defense Foundation and former NFL player, recognized the importance of the trip. He remarked on the honor of providing these warriors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Edwards said, "The crew was honored to provide the elderly with such a once-in-a-lifetime chance despite their advanced years."
There were a total of 43 veterans who made the trip. All of them had fought in WWII. The connection between duty and sacrifice united them, regardless of whether or not they had fought in Normandy on D-Day.
The Dutchtown High School marching band from Henry County led a salute to the veterans' arrival at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport's international terminal. Travelers and bystanders crowded the airport to cheer and snap photos of the exciting scene. The schedule for the veterans' trip began with an arrival ceremony on June 1. It continued with dinners, parades, recognition ceremonies, and trips to the iconic Normandy beaches.
Donnie Edwards said, "I'm so delighted to see how in tune and how proud the kids are to meet the World War II veterans and connect with them." The children's interactions with these real-life heroes inspired awe and thankfulness, leaving them with priceless memories.
Andy Negra, who was drafted at the age of 19, spoke about his time serving in the military. Negra, a member of the 6th Armored Division, landed on Utah Beach on July 18 and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He finally returned to Normandy after 79 years, and while there, he encountered an incredible coincidence.
"The craziest thing is that when I arrived at Utah Beach, I was received by an American who lived four homes away from where I resided in my hometown," Negra stated, highlighting the unexpected ties established via wartime experiences.
After Pearl Harbor, WWII veteran Jimmy Doi was sent from California to the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona. He joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in Italy. Doi reenlisted after the European war to locate his parents in Japan, which he did.
John "Jack" Foy, a Third Army veteran, arrived in France after D-Day. Like Negra, Foy fought in the Battle of the Bulge. "At that time, everyone was so patriotic; as soon as you were 18, you signed up. Everyone did." Foy stated. "It means the world to me," Foy said of returning to the historic spot on the anniversary of D-Day, despite having visited France several times.
The tour to Normandy showed WWII veterans' courage and sacrifice. They were recognized in Normandy for their immense efforts to freedom and peace. The tour showed the tenacious spirit of these exceptional people and reminded us of our appreciation for their service.
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