The service and sacrifice of those who died during the Battle for Brest were honored Wednesday by the Friends of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The battle, which served as a forerunner for D-Day and the Allied invasion of Europe during World War II, took place from Aug. 7 to Sept. 19, 1944. Part of the Allied plan to invade Europe, it called for the capture of port facilities in France to ensure the timely delivery of ammunition and food the Allies needed to defeat Nazi Germany, said Jan Scruggs, founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
“Seventy-five years later, we’re gathered here to remember and to honor all of those who served and sacrificed in the Battle of Brest from the Allied forces,” said Scruggs.
The ceremony and wreath presentation took place at the World War II Memorial's Atlantic Arch.
“What a privilege to honor the Americans who had the privilege, character and grace to aid in the recapture of Brest in service not only to the Allies and France but to our country. Vive la France,” said Josiah Bunting, chairman of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial
The ceremony was part of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial’s four-year, 75th anniversary commemoration which began Dec. 7, 2016 and will continue through Sept. 2, 2020.
“We need to honor every one of our vets, wherever they are, wherever they served,” said Judy Davis, the daughter of World War II Army veteran Arthur John Curry who fought in France and was killed on Aug. 27, 1944 following the liberation of Paris.
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