75th anniversary of D-Day to honor local Veterans in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Thursday, June 6, 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the landing on Normandy’s beaches. To commemorate that date, Honor Flight Bluegrass is honoring Kentucky Veteran’s with several events.

Kelli Oakley, an Honor Flight Bluegrass board member, says they typically fly World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans to Washington, DC to visit respective memorials free of charge. But this year they’re doing something different.

“Because a lot of our Veterans are aging and can’t make the trip to DC, so we’re going to have it right in Louisville, Kentucky on the 75th anniversary of D-Day,” said Oakley.

Stella West, a World War II Veteran with the Women’s Army Corps, has been on one of those flights.

“Oh it’s a wonderful experience. They keep you busy all day. You don’t have time to get bored,” laughed West.

West, now 93, says she loved the entire trip but will forever remember the Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC, “I was there. It’s really a wonderful thing.”

Oakley says these trips are their way of giving back to Veterans, “It’s the least we can do. They graciously served our country.”

Kentucky has two Honor Flights, Honor Flight Kentucky out of Lexington and Honor Flight Bluegrass out of Louisville. Those interested in signing up for a trip to Washington, DC can contact either location.

Oakley says more than a hundred Veterans are signed up to take part in their upcoming flight this week.

It’s one of several activities going on as part of the commemoration of D-Day. You can view a full list HERE.