In celebration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Lest We Forget will hold its D-Day reenactment at Tiscornia Beach in St. Joseph this Saturday, June 22.
The event will feature more than 200 actors using planes, boats, and more. Group President Larry Wozniak said this year is special due to the 80th anniversary, and he’s looking forward to the event.
“People need to know that’s all the things that happened and the 405,000 Americans died during World War II died for a reason,” Wozniak said. “They didn’t just die in vain.”
The events on June 22 will begin at 9 a.m. with an opening flag jump, followed by the Normandy Beach invasion battle reenactment. Later that day at 11 a.m., there will be flame thrower demonstrations before the Saipan Beach invasion battle reenactment.
In addition, there will be a few special guests in attendance and story telling, including the story of the first American who died on D-Day.
“We actually have three confirmed, and possibly two more, World War II veterans that will be at the event.”
Wozniak says after the battle reenactments at Tiscornia Beach, other events will take place at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport. They’ll include troop encampments, vehicles, equipment displays and more. These activities will also continue Sunday at the same location.
Visitors are to remember that the beach is to be closed during the event. Shuttle buses starting at 7:45 will transport people from the designated parking lots to the beach. For more information, visit lestweforgetusa.org.
