The Reagan Legacy foundation has spearheaded an effort to recognize the service of WWII soldiers.
More than 4,000 Allied soldiers were killed when they stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on D-Day in 1945. There are several monuments and memorials to the dead, but the Walkway to Victory memorial brick program aims to pay tribute to the service of veterans who served in Europe and North Africa during WWII.
"When these World War Two vets visit, [which] they do all the time, and they see their name---that brings them to tears of people remembering them for what they did," said Michael Reagan, President of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, in an interview on WDUN's Newsroom.
For $250, people can buy a brick to commemorate a veteran's service. In addition to the cost of the engraved Brick, Reagan said some of the money goes to help provide scholarships to current service members aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.
During his time in office, President Ronald Reagan made it a point to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of America's veterans.
In 1984, on the 40th anniversary of the Allied landing, Reagan became the first U.S. president to speak in Normandy to commemorate the day.
"The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next," Reagan said.
More on the Walkway to Victory:
"The Airborne Museum's Walkway to Victory Memorial brick program is a special place dedicated to honoring and remembering the veterans who served in the European campaign of World War II (including North Africa). It is a place to permanently express our gratitude for the service of those veterans. Those honored include all branches of the United States Armed Services.
The Walkway to Victory Memorial is located in Sainte Mere Eglise, France at The Airborne Museum, and is dedicated especially as a Memorial to the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Grateful citizens are encouraged to recognize and remember anyone who has served regardless of where they are from or lived. Many will also want to commemorate their own service. The primary goal is to recognize as many people as possible... Lest we never forget."
You can find out more here.
