Southwest Michigan’s Lest We Forget organization is planning a huge D-Day Reenactment to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Allies World War II invasion of the Normandy beaches in France. It will all happen at St. Joseph’s Tiscornia Beach, with associated activities at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23.
Larry Wozniak is the president of Lest We Forget, and has been involved in the impressive reenactments for years. Larry gave us a detailed overview of the plans.
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June marks the 80th Anniversary of the assault on the beaches of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Lest We Forget will stage battles on the shores of Tiscornia Beach on Saturday, June 22.
Action begins at 9:00 a.m. with music provided by the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, a parachute flag drop and an inspection of the grounds by German High Command. As planes fly overhead, simulated bombs provided by Lance Hazen and his Great Lakes Effects Co. team will prepare the beach for the assault. Higgins Boats, Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT-2 Buffalos) and a DUKW will carry reenactors onto the beach. Military Historian Bill Sheets will interpret the action and provide historical facts throughout the day.
After the morning D-Day Reenactment, action continues Saturday afternoon with a focus on the South Pacific War.
The Battle of Saipan was an amphibious assault launched by the United States against the Empire of Japan during the Pacific campaign of World War II between 15 June and 9 July 1944. At 1:00 p.m. a reenactment of this battle will take place. During the time between these two battles there will be a Flamethrower demonstration by Katie Gromlovits and WWII stories.
WWII veterans and their families will have reserved VIP seating at Tiscornia Beach. . RSVP by calling 269-429-2098.
The Lest We Forget event is FREE for everyone and is family focused on Education.
Lest We Forget is funded through fundraisers, grants and donations. Past annual Lest We Forget productions have focused on World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam, the United States Navy, Women in Service and the Cold War. To continue the goal to Brighten the Future by Illuminating the Past, next year veterans from Desert Storm, the Balkan Wars, Afghanistan and Iraq will share their experiences.
Financial contributions are gratefully accepted by Lest We Forget, a registered non-profit organization, to fund future observances. Contact Larry Wozniak to learn how you may be able to help.
Logistics of the Day
No vehicles will be allowed in the beach parking lot. Follow signs to area parking lots and ride one of the free shuttle buses. Wheelchair handicap parking will be on Momany Drive. Motorcycles, bicycles and walk-ins can go directly to Tiscornia Beach.
Associated Activities & Opportunities
Aircraft rides are available June 22 and 23 at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, 1123 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Choose the WWII C-47 HAIRLESS JOE by reserving your ride at https://miflightmuseum.org/c47-transport. The American Huey 369 Vietnam helicopter and a Robinson R44 will also be giving rides for a fee.
Lots of family activities continue Saturday and Sunday, June 22 – 23 at the airport. A 32’ Climbing Wall, 20th Century Military hands on Museum, Obstacle Course, displays and reenactor camp sites are some of the attractions available to the public.
Attendees have the opportunity to join Lest We Forget on site. One year membership dues are $10. Lifetime membership is $50 and over 80 years old is free. You do not have to be a veteran to become a member of LWF.
Membership meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport starting at 10:00 a.m. with coffee and donuts at 9:30.
To learn more about Lest We Forget, contact Larry Wozniak:
Larry Wozniak
269-429-2098
