The valor, fidelity and sacrifice of D-Day participants were remembered June 6, 2021, at the observance of the 77th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. Retired Brig. Gen. Peter C. Hinz, national commander of the 29th Division Association, and Col. Christopher J. Samulski, commander of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, placed the wreath honoring all U.S. forces during the ceremony. The 29th Infantry Division Band provided the color guard, drum and fife and ceremonial music for the event. Three World War II veterans were recognized, and Normandy veteran Ash Rothlein shared his experience.

“We started across the beach in a heavy fog moving up a step bluff … the fog lifted to reveal a sight so shocking and stark in its finality my internal response was seismic and everlasting,” Rothlein said. “Grave markers littered the ground as far as the eye could see. Those brave warriors paid with their lives so I and my band of brothers could crest that hill and do our part to win the war. I still feel the sadness, guilt and determination of that memorable experience.”