Honoring a D-Day Glider Pilot in Normandy

A reader, who never met her father, a D-Day glider pilot, traveled to Normandy to honor his sacrifices during World War II. On June 6, 2024, she and her husband participated in a weeklong commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which marked the beginning of the liberation of Europe. During the event, she encountered an American paratrooper who honored her father by carrying his photo during a reenactment jump. The reader discovered the exact field in St.-Mère-Église where her father landed his glider, gaining insight into the training and bravery of glider pilots. These pilots were essential to the war effort, as they transported troops and supplies into combat zones. The gliders were assembled from parts shipped in wooden crates, showcasing the skill and courage required for such missions. Her father trained at Bowman Field in Kentucky, where he met her mother. Their relationship blossomed quickly, but he left for overseas duty shortly after, leading to limited communication. Despite the distance, he remained a significant influence in her life, and she sought to learn more about him over the years. In 1990, she began connecting with other glider pilots who served alongside her father, piecing together his legacy. This journey of discovery not only honored her father's memory but also deepened her understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served in World War II.