Remembering the Life of D-Day Veteran Carter Fisher

Hello, Friends!

Carter Fisher

It’s with a heavy heart today that I post this blog. While it is a sobering reality that we are losing our WWII veterans, it hits even closer to home when it is someone that you know very well. Today, we found out that Carter Fisher, a D-Day veteran, passed away yesterday. Not only was Carter one of the valiant men who participated in the invasion, but he kept the legacy of the 4,413 men who died on June 6^th alive through his commitment to volunteering and sharing their stories, as well as his own, at the National D-Day Memorial as a volunteer. Here’s a little bit of his story:

Carter, at age 19, was on board the USS Arkansas as it took position some 4,000 yards off Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.  His job for the invasion was to load shells for the 12-inch guns onboard the USS Arkansas. He was stationed inside the turret on Battery One. Shortly after 5:30 a.m., the Arkansas started bombarding German positions on the coast in preparations for the Allied beach assault.

USS Arkansas in 1945

Because he was in the turret, Carter did not see much, but he did hear the blasts of the guns and firing of anti-aircraft artillery. He recalled two German fighter planes attacking the ship that evening, but both were shot of the sky. All in all, the USS Arkansas ended June 6, 1944 with no casualties. If you would like to hear more of Carter’s experience on D-Day, here is a link to an interview he did a few years ago as a part of our Lunchbox Lecture series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmlIwHqfWKQ.

The USS Arkansas went on to participate in the bombardment of Cherbourg and fire in support of the invasion of Southern France.  The USS Arkansas also provided support for the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Carter left the Navy in 1946 and never talked about the war, even though he had taken part in three major Allied invasions in southern France and the Pacific.

The Necrology Wall at the National D-Day
Memorial in Bedford, VA

After the National D-Day Memorial opened in 2001, Carter began volunteering as a tour guide and through that he started sharing his memories from the war. He once said about his service on D-Day that “I don’t brag about it, but I’m proud to tell people I served there.” When he gave his tour of the Memorial, he always made sure that they took special note of the 4,413 names of the Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen killed on June 6, 1944 on our necrology wall because it’s important to remember every single one of those men who didn’t come back. Carter wasn’t just a beloved tour guide at the Memorial, but he was a friend to many staff members and volunteers who remember him for his sense of humor. Even though he was not at the Memorial as much in the past few years due to his declining health, it was always great to see him on June 6^th at our anniversary ceremonies. He will be missed tremendously!

We’ve been fortunate to have our D-Day and WWII veterans with us for the past 72 years; however, our time with them is quickly coming to an end. It is important now more than ever to preserve the legacy of these veterans to share with future generations. Today as I was preparing our Education Tent for the first field trip of the season while taking in the news of Carter’s death, I realized that it is our duty to keep his memory, as well as the thousands of other D-Day veterans’ memories, alive. While I do this through educational initiatives at the National D-Day Memorial, you can share the legacy of Carter and all WWII veterans through listening to the stories of those who are still with us, thanking them for their service, and sharing those stories for others to hear. It is only through all of us working together that their legacy is preserved for the next generation!

Until Next Time,

Maggie

D-Day Fallen: John Schenk

Hello Friends!

As I am sure you have noticed, fall does not necessarily mean that the National D-Day Memorial is not busy with events and school groups. However, we are starting to slow down a bit and are getting excited for one of our favorite events of the year, Flames of Memory and Christmas in Wartime Presentation.

National D-Day Memorial's Flames of Memory and
Christmas in Wartime Presentation

During this event, thousands of luminaries are arranged throughout the Memorial and shine in recognition of Overlord’s fallen and in tribute to the ultimate sacrifice each one of them made to relight the lamp of freedom. This event is not only beautiful, but is such a vivid reminder of the sacrifice of the men on the beaches of Normandy. As twilight deepens and obscures the Blue Ridge, the Memorial will honor the 4,413 men killed on D-Day the nights of December 11-13, 2015 from 6PM-9PM. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Luminaries are sold throughout the year and can be purchased in honor of or in memory of a loved one that has served or who is currently serving. Each luminary costs $20, or six for $100, and they can be purchased in honor or memory of anyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, D-Day veteran or not. All proceeds benefit the Memorial and are tax-deductible. Also, group sales are available. If you are interested in purchasing a luminary, visit www.dday.org and click on “GIVING” or  call (540) 586-3329 for more information.

We would also like to extend a very special thanks to the Virginia Moose Association for supporting this worthy endeavor.

One thing we like to do each year leading up to Flames of Memory is to recognize a few of our D-Day fallen in our blog posts.  Today, I want to recognize one of our own from Bedford.

John Burwell Schenk was born in September 1916 in Bedford. He was a student in Business Administration at Virginia Tech and joined the Virginia National Guard on February 3, 1941.

One of my favorite things about John was his relationship with Ivylyn. In 1941, John was set up by a friend on a blind date with Ivylyn Jordan that lasted late into the night. They continued to date after the war began and eventually were married when he was on leave from Camp Blanding, Florida. After he deployed to England to prepare for D-Day, John and Ivylyn wrote letters to each other every day when Schenk was in England.

Just before the Normandy invasion, Ivylyn wrote a letter to John on May 21, 1944. Below is a portion of that letter:

“Although I haven’t written [recently] my heart has been filled with thoughts for and about you. Your letters are so full of hope and brightness for the future. Several have come this week written May 7, 8, 10, and 11^th. They have been like sunbeams on long winter days…”

In their letters, not only did they discuss their love for one another, they talked about the daily events of their lives. After over twenty months of being apart due to the war, the war did not allow them to make it to their two year wedding anniversary.

As a part of the 29th Division, 116th Regiment, Company A, Ssgt. John Schenk landed in the first wave of the assault on Omaha Beach with other young soldiers from Bedford, Virginia. Their objective was to get up to the high-water mark and off the beach. However, many did not make it. John was one of those men who died due to heavy fire as they reached the shore.

On July 17, 1944, his parents received news from the War Department that John was killed in action in France on June 6, 1944. Although the news was not what Ivylyn expected, she lived her life like John would’ve liked for her to as she carried on his memory even though she remarried. He is buried at the American Cemetery at Normandy.

Until Next Time,

Maggie

Highlights from the 71st Anniversary of D-Day

Hello All,

71st Anniversary of  D-Day

This past Saturday, 6 June 2015, the 71^st Anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day, was held at The National D-Day Memorial. The annual commemoration ceremony honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for us on that fateful day of days. They encompass the many reasons why we are here today and why it is of utmost importance to never forget their sacrifice for generations to come.

D-Day veterans Arden Earll and W.D. Casey with Korea Veteran Robert E. Key.

Over 1,900 people from across the world honored the Memorial with their presence for the 71st Anniversary of D-Day. Among the audience were at least 50 D-Day and World War II veterans. It is a true blessing to be able to honor these men and women while they are still with us. The theme for the day was honor, fidelity, and sacrifice; not a soul uttered a word when the 29^th Division began the drum roll and Attention, followed by the Presentation of the Colors. The wreath laying portion of the ceremony, in tribute to units involved in the D-Day invasion, was especially emotional to observe, along with the playing of Taps shortly afterwards.

Dame Mary S. Barraco and I in the Education Tent.

Keynote Speaker Dame Mary Sigillo Barraco brought the audience to tears with her stirring and inspiring speech on the subject of honoring the past and preserving fierce patriotism in the face of evil. Dame Mary Barraco was an American teenager living in Nazi occupied Belgium. At the tender age of 17, Mary made the courageous decision to join the “Freedom Fighters”, a Resistance Group known for aiding downed pilots, sneaking supplies and knowledge in and out of detention camps, and providing safe haven for Jewish citizens fleeing from Nazi persecution. Mary and her fiancé were eventually betrayed, for the equivalent of $15, by none other than a fellow Belgian partisan. Both were captured and separated by the Gestapo and were sent to a series of detainment camps. Mary’s fiancé was executed while she spent the remainder of her captivity in a Nazi controlled concentration camp. Mary was subjected to unimaginable horrors while imprisoned, yet despite it all, she continued to fight for liberty and freedom, drawing strength from God, justice, and love of country.

 

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team

After Dame Mary’s moving speech, the Coast Guard Silent Drill team honored our D-Day veterans with a Tribute to Veterans performance in the Main Plaza. Once again, the audience was completely silent and in awe of the talented group of men and women displaying phenomenal discipline as they swung their battle ready rifles with precise execution.

Col. Arnald D. Gabriel 

Shortly after the conclusion of the ceremony, patrons were treated to the delightful talents of the 29^th Division Band featuring guest conductor Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel, legendary conductor and World War II veteran. Col. Gabriel served as a machine gunner with the 29^th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II, receiving two Bronze Star Medals, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the French Croix de Guerre. He continued his military career with 21 years  dedicated to the United States Air Force, conducting the renowned U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra, and the Singing Sergeants from 1964- 1985. Following his retirement, Col. Gabriel was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service to the U.S. Air Force and to music education. 

Woodmen of the World Lodge 175 D-Day cake.

A highlight for so many each year is the Veterans Reunion Tent. D-Day and World War II veterans are able to meet for the first time or visit with old friends as they and their families share memories of the past and hopes for the future. This year, the Reunion Tent had a special treat for our veterans and visitors. The Woodmen of the World, in celebration of their 125^th anniversary, wanted to pay tribute to our D-Day veterans by baking a magnificent cake for their enjoyment. The cake showcased the twelve Allied nations that took part in the Normandy landings, along with all five invasion beaches represented around the cake.

Warmest thanks to all who supported the National D-Day Memorial for our most special event of the year, the Anniversary of D-Day. AREVA, Financial Designs, Freedom Aviation, Winoa USA, and Woodmen of the World Lodge 175 were fundamental to the success of the 71^st Anniversary of D-Day. On that same token, the event would not have been such a triumph without the help of our wonderful, hardworking, and dedicated volunteers!  Thank you on behalf of all of us at the National D-Day Memorial.

President April Cheek -Messier with WWII veteran Bobbie Johnson

Take Care,

Elizabeth

Remember their Sacrifice

Hello All,

Alex Kersaw with Elizabeth and Felicia, NDDMF Staff

The staff at the National D-Day Memorial Foundation (NDDMF) would like to thank all those who came to the Memorial to support America’s veterans, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It was impressive to see so many individuals and families honoring our fallen veterans. We are happy to report that about 1,100 people were in attendance for the Memorial Day Ceremony. Our keynote speaker, Mr. Alex Kersaw, author of The Bedford Boys, truly captured the heart and soul of Memorial Day with his poignant reminder of why it is vital to continue honoring the legacy of those who sacrificed before us and those who will continue to protect our freedoms.

Alex and April laying flowers down at Leslie Abbott's grave.

After the ceremony, Alex and our NDDMF President, April Cheek Messier, spent the afternoon at the Oakwood and Greenwood Cemeteries, paying tribute to our fallen Bedford Boys. They, along with family members of the Bedford Boys, placed flowers at each grave site. This is the first year the Bedford International Alliance has coordinated such a moving tribute to our fallen heroes, having been inspired to do so after visiting Normandy for the 70^th Anniversary last year.

The next event for the National D-Day Memorial is, of course, the 71^st Anniversary of D-Day on Saturday 6 June 2015 and will be an event you most certainly will not want to miss!

Message from the President, April Cheek Messier,

“The National D-Day Memorial Foundation will commemorate the 71^st anniversary of D-Day with a full day of activities including special music, wreath-layings, a veteran’s reunion tent, living history, and a twilight remembrance in the evening. The ceremony begins at 11 AM on Saturday, June 6^th. Representatives from France, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom will be in attendance to lay wreaths, as well as representatives from various D-Day service units.

Memorial Day 2015

The keynote speaker for the program is Dame Mary Sigillo Barraco. Barraco was an American teenager living in Belgium when World War II broke out in Europe. Barraco was fluent in French, English, Flemish, Italian, and German which would serve her well in the years to come. Shortly after the war began, she joined a Resistance Group known as the “Freedom Fighters” and was responsible for aiding downed allied pilots, hiding Jewish citizens, and sneaking supplies to those held in Nazi prisons and detention camps. Barraco and her fiancé were eventually betrayed for the equivalent of $12 by a Belgian partisan. They were subsequently captured and subjected to savage torture by the Gestapo. Her fiancé was later executed.  Barraco’s message will center on tolerance, responsibly, and never taking freedom for granted.

The U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard Silent Drill Team will also perform during the June 6^th ceremony. Based out of Alexandria, Virginia, the Silent Drill Team travels extensively throughout the nation performing for thousands of citizens and dignitaries at parades, festivals, and military functions. The members of the Silent Drill Team also carry out ceremonial duties for the Military District of Washington at venues such as the White House, Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery. The Coast Guard Silent Drill Team exemplifies the Ceremonial Honor Guard’s time-honored values of pride, poise, and perfection.

A moving addition will be music provided by the 29^th Division band which will feature the legendary Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel as guest conductor. Col. Gabriel was a combat machine gunner with the 29^th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. He received two Bronze Star Medals, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the French Croix de Guerre.

The National D-Day Memorial

Col. Gabriel served as Commander/Conductor of the internationally renowned U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Singing Sergeants from 1964 to 1985. His 21 year tenure was the longest in that organization’s history. Col. Gabriel retired from the United States Air Force in 1985 following a distinguished 36 year military career, at which time he was awarded his third Legion of Merit for his service to the United States Air Force and to music education throughout the country. In 1990, he was named the first Conductor Emeritus of the USAF Band at a special concert held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. In 2008, the USAF Band dedicated the Arnald D. Gabriel Hall in his honor, and Bands of America inducted Col. Gabriel into its Hall of Fame. Col. Gabriel has performed in all 50 of the United States and in 50 countries around the world.

After the Memorial’s ceremony, which will conclude around noon, a patriotic concert will follow. The Enduring Freedom Honor Team from Fredericksburg, Virginia will perform from 12:30 to 1:15 PM. The group consists of high school students dressed in WWII era uniforms playing period music. From 1:30 to 2:30 PM, the 29^th Division band will conduct a full performance with Col. Gabriel in the Memorial’s main plaza. Food will be available on site throughout the day, providing guests an opportunity to meet World War II veterans under the veteran reunion tent.

Admission is free throughout the day and the Memorial will remain open until 9:00 PM.  For the evening, the Memorial is hosting a Twilight Remembrance with a portion of the 29^th Division Band playing 7:30 PM to closing. The band will end the evening with the sounding of Taps.

Please join the National D-Day Memorial for the 71^st anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2015. D-Day and World War II veterans and their families are asked to call ahead for VIP parking passes and reserved seating. For more information or updates, visit www.dday.org or call (540) 586-3329. This event is generously sponsored by AREVA, Winoa USA/W Abrasives, Freedom Aviation, and Financial Designs.”

I hope to see you all there!

Take Care,

Elizabeth

Flames of Memory/ Our D-Day Fallen: Private First Class Jack G. Powers

Hello Everyone!

D-Day Luminaries. Picture provided by Mark East Photography

Three days from now the entire Memorial (and road leading up to the site) will be lined with luminaries for our "Flames of Memory" and "Christmas in Wartime" Events. Each light in honor of a D-Day fallen soldier, all 4,413 of them. Also, there will be luminaries dedicated by loving family members of their own fallen soldiers through various conflicts. It is a beautiful and moving reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of our Allied soldiers on one of the bloodiest invasions of World War II, as well as the brave men and women who have given their lives in service of their country. It would be a privilege for you all to come out to the site and support us and our heroes. December 12 through the 14th, 6 pm to 9pm, and the site will be open (free admission) to all those who want to pay their respects.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would also like to take the opportunity to introduce you all to another of our D-Day Fallen, Private First Class Jack G. Powers. A loving and caring member of the Bedford Boys and community.

PFC Jack Powers

Jack Powers was an extremely lovable and caring man, recalled his sister Eloise. He and two of his brothers enlisted into the National Guard and were eager to set off on an adventure. At twenty-one years old, Jack and his brother, Clyde, stood on the train platform, while the band played, awaiting the train to New York.

Jack was a skilled musician and dancer. He practiced guitar daily and could jitterbug better than any man in town. Jack’s uncle Harold Wilkes was also in formation on the platform. You could say it was a family affair. In fact, the Powers brothers’ were one part of thirty-three sets of brothers who stormed the beaches on D-Day.

While in England, Powers received the rare honor of being chosen for the 29^th Division’s Rangers, an elite combat unit, essentially the American version of the British Commandos. Company A was improving by leaps and bounds in England. Many of the men gained at least seven to ten pounds of muscle over the course of their training and many other talented soldiers were selected for advancement. 

Since Power’s was promoted to the Rangers unit, that meant being separated from his friends and family. Even though he was excited and honored to be part of the elite group of men, he still missed his Company A family. When his Rangers unit was disbanded, Powers was upset that he had spent so much time training apart from them, but was eager to return. So eager in fact that he was considered AWOL for a bit and was stripped of his sergeant’s stripes by Captain Fellers.

PFC Powers grave in Normandy.

When it came time to launch the invasion, Powers was very nervous and seemed distressed, which surprised some of the men because Jack always came across as level headed and calm. The ex-ranger was just as nervous as the rest of the men.

Powers did not make it through the invasion but his brother Clyde had. Like so many other sets of brothers, many lost one, if not all, of their family that day. Clyde was overcome with sadness at the loss of his brother but he had to continue on with his mission, just like so many others, including fellow Bedford Boy Roy Stevens, who lost his brother Ray. Each man dealt with his grief differently. Some took it out in their fighting, killing as much as possible, while others suffered in silence, frozen by sorrow. Clyde, in particular, suffered survivor’s guilt at the loss of his dear brother.

I hope you all will be able to join us and I recommend bringing some tissues because you will be moved to tears.

Take care and keep warm,

Elizabeth

Remember Veterans Day

Hello All,

Veterans Day is a week away and the Memorial is busy getting ready for the annual ceremony held at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. You won’t want to miss out this year! Not only are we honoring our veterans, we are also dedicating the new Blue Star and Gold Star bricks.

As you may remember from last years Veterans Day post and ceremony, Veterans Day is extremely important to our country and it’s legacy. It is a day to remember our Veteran’s, past and present, living or deceased. It is a time to reflect on their sacrifices made for us and honor their bravery.

Raising the flag on Iwo Jima, 1945.

Unfortunately, many people have forgotten the importance of this day, even the fact that it is Veterans Day. It used to be a time of parades and public gatherings, and a brief break from work at 11 am to reflect. Now it is a time for people to take advantage of sales and a day off from work. We have forgotten how important our Veterans are to our safety. Without them, who would protect our nation? Who would be willing to travel to unfamiliar places to defend us from what we could not do ourselves? Who would be brave enough to do their duty despite the terrifying or horrible conditions they are subjected to? Our soldiers and veterans are those courageous individuals.

“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” – Jeff Miller

Some ways you, and your community, can honor your veterans is to participate in your local Veterans Day observances. Whether that is through a local war memorial or church organization, you could even organize a small gathering of your own. If you have children or grandchildren, teach them the importance of our Veterans and make sure they understand the magnitude of their sacrifices. Volunteering to help Veterans is also a wonderful way to show your support and care for our heroes. If you are joining the D-Day Memorial this coming Veterans Day, then bring a Veteran you may know, or bring your family. Once you are here, you can find out all the ways you can get involved in the Memorial.

Veterans Day Parade, New York City, 2011

Veterans will always be part of our society and culture. To treat them with anything other than respect would be criminal.

“The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.” – Judd Gregg 

I hope you will join us on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 am.

Take care,

Elizabeth

Voices by Land, Air, and Sea: The Extraordinary Stories of Those Who Were There

As I have mentioned before, one of the highlights of my job is speaking with and listening to our WWII veterans.  We are honored to have many World War II veterans in our area, and I have been privileged to get to know some of them over the past five years.  Last Tuesday, the D-Day Memorial allowed our patrons to get to know these veterans as well.  The Memorial hosted a special event as part of our winter Lunchbox Lecture series.  For an hour, four local D-Day veterans shared their personal experiences to a packed house. 

Because our on-site visitors enjoyed the program so much, I wanted to offer you the same opportunity.  Below you will find videos of each veteran's story. Browse them at your leisure, but as you watch, it is my hope that you see why these men and women (and so many others like them) are so special and why it is important to preserve their legacy for future generations. 

- Megan

Meet Our Panel of D-Day Veterans

Click here to view Buster Shaeff's video

Charles "Buster" Shaeff

United States Navy

Buster Shaeff joined the Navy at the age of 17.  On D-Day Shaeff carried a platoon of 2nd Ranger Battalion troops to Point-du-Hoc.  He ferried three boatloads of troops to the beach that day.  On his third run, a hedgehog tore a hole in the bottom of his LCVP.  Shaeff continued ferrying troops through July 1. Nearly one million soldiers would come ashore by early July.

Click here to view Bill Overstreet's video

Bill Overstreet

United States Army Air Force

Bill Overstreet was flying at 20,000 feet on D-Day.  He was part of the U.S. Army Air Forces' 357th Fighter Group.  He spent eight hours over Normandy before returning to England to refuel.  Overstreet flew over 100  missions during the war and was shot down three times.  Overstreet discusses his many close calls and his recollections of the time leading up to the invasion.

Click here to view Carter Fisher's video

 Carter Fisher

United States Navy, USS Arkansas

Carter Fisher was on board the USS Arkansas as it took position some 4,000 yards off Omaha Beach.  The USS Arkansas participated in the bombardment of Cherbourg, which fell to the Alllies the next day and fired in support of Operation Anvil, the invasion of Southern France.  The USS Arkansas also provided support for the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

 
 

Click here to view Evelyn Kowalchuk's video

Evelyn "Chappy" Kowalchuk

818th Air Evacuation Squadron

Evelyn "Chappy" Kowalchuk was one of 500 flight nurses during WWII and found herself on the beaches of Normandy on D+3.  Mrs. Kowalchuk served with the 818th Air Evacuation Squadron and help evacuate wounded troops from Omaha Beach.  For her military service she was awarded the Air Medal, the ETO Ribbon, the French Legion of Honor, and the American Theater Ribbon and has credit in the following campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe