Public Media from Michigan State University

Michigan Remembers D-Day: Today's Generation Honors the Greatest Generation

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Editor’s Note: This story originally aired on the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014.

Donald Burgett served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division -- the "Screaming Eagles." He was among the first U.S. soldiers to land in Normandy on June 6, 1944.
Credit Kevin Lavery / WKAR

On June 6, 1944, more than 160, 000 Allied forces traversed the English Channel to land on the beaches of Normandy in France.  Operation Overlord, commonly known as "D-Day," was the largest seaborne invasion in history.  The offensive marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.

WKAR is proud to honor the sacrifice of all veterans, living and dead, who gave of themselves to restore freedom and hope to a war-torn world.

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Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.