SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Volunteers, servicemembers, and veterans gathered Saturday at the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center in South Portland to honor the sacrifices made by American and allied forces on D-Day.
On June 6, 1944, a little more than 80 years ago, 2,501 Americans were killed during the largest amphibious invasion in human history. It was an act that turned the tide in the fight to defeat Nazi Germany in World War II.
Those attending the ceremony Saturday reflected on the gratitude they said is owed to those soldiers and sailors who laid down their lives that day on the beaches of Normandy, France.
“If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here right now,” Peter Hamlyn of the nonprofit organization Patriot Riders of America said. “It just takes a lot of heart and a lot of courage to defend your country. It's hard to put into words.”
The feeling was similar for Brig. Gen Diane Dunn, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard.
“It is really unfathomable to appreciate and understand what they all faced,” Dunn said Saturday after speaking before the crowd.
The event also served to honor and bring together Maine World War II veterans of all theaters and service branches. This included Frank DiPietro, a 97-year-old from Wells who served in the Navy after enlisting in 1944.
Reflecting on his service, he shared a simple message.
“I’m glad that I’m able to still be around. The good Lord has been good to me. Amen," DiPietro said.