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Native American former US Army medic, 96, is the sole veteran to attend D-Day memorial event in France due to Covid travel restrictions
UK Daily Mail ^ | 06/06/2021 | Rory Tingle

Posted on 06/06/2021 10:32:55 AM PDT by DFG

A 96-year-old former US Army medic was the only veteran to attend two D-Day memorial events in France to mark the 77th anniversary of the historic invasion of Europe.

Charles Shay, a Penobscot Native American, was the sole former combatant at Friday's ceremony in Carentan, where paratroopers landed in the early hours of D-Day, and at a commemoration at the American Cemetery later in the day in Colleville-sur-Mer, on a bluff overseeing Omaha Beach.

The cemetery contains 9,380 graves, most of them for servicemen who lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. Another 1,557 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing.

Shay also attended Sunday's opening of the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, at the eastern end of Gold Beach, which several British veterans were also able to go to.

The Native American, from Indian Island in Maine, now lives in the country he helped liberate from the Nazis aged 19. Most of his fellow brothers in arms have been unable to travel due to Covid travel restrictions.

'We have no visitors coming to France … for two years now,' Shay said. 'And I hope it will be over soon.'

(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...


TOPICS: History; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: dday; france; normandy; shay


1 posted on 06/06/2021 10:32:55 AM PDT by DFG
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To: DFG

Thank you for your service, sir.


2 posted on 06/06/2021 10:35:47 AM PDT by Puppage (You may disagree with what I have to say, but I shall defend to your death my right to says it.)
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To: DFG

Well done soldier! Live on in good health and spirits.


3 posted on 06/06/2021 10:36:51 AM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus maneo)
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To: DFG

God bless Charles Shay, and grant him Many Years!!!!


4 posted on 06/06/2021 10:37:28 AM PDT by Honorary Serb (Kosovo is Serbia! Free Srpska! Abolish ICTY!)
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To: DFG

He looks a lot like my actor buddy, Wes Studi.


5 posted on 06/06/2021 10:40:53 AM PDT by LittleBillyInfidel (This tagline has been formatted to fit the screen. Some content has been edited.)
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To: DFG
God bless him and his family!!

I tear up every time I remember my visit to the D-Day Beaches in Normandy back in 2006. I feel so lucky to have been able to go there.

6 posted on 06/06/2021 10:41:17 AM PDT by mass55th ("Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." ~~ John Wayne )
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To: DFG

Very proud to see Mr. Shay representing the USA, State of Maine, and the Penobscot tribe. He looks great.

I can’t imagine the things he must have seen and experienced.

Very respectfully,

Mrs AV


7 posted on 06/06/2021 10:44:48 AM PDT by Atomic Vomit (http://www.cafepress.com/aroostookbeauty/358829)
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To: DFG

God bless him for his service.

We owe so much to those like him, and to those who are no longer here.


8 posted on 06/06/2021 10:47:04 AM PDT by frank ballenger (You have summoned up a thundercloud. You're gonna hear from me. Anthem by Leonard Cohen)
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To: Puppage

The LORD bless you, Sir.


9 posted on 06/06/2021 10:52:36 AM PDT by Flaming Conservative ((Pray without ceasing))
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To: LittleBillyInfidel

Yes he does!


10 posted on 06/06/2021 10:52:59 AM PDT by Guenevere (When the foundations are being destroyed what can the righteous do)
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To: Flaming Conservative

Amen


11 posted on 06/06/2021 10:59:32 AM PDT by Puppage (You may disagree with what I have to say, but I shall defend to your death my right to says it.)
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To: Atomic Vomit

That was very touching. Thank you and this Hero.


12 posted on 06/06/2021 11:11:46 AM PDT by deek69
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To: DFG

Wow! What a life! He looks fantastic, too, not anywhere close to 96. Many thanks to US Army medic Charles Shay.


13 posted on 06/06/2021 11:16:04 AM PDT by definitelynotaliberal (I believe it! He's alive! Sweet Jesus!)
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To: definitelynotaliberal
Wow! What a life! He looks fantastic, too, not anywhere close to 96. Many thanks to US Army medic Charles Shay.

Ditto!

14 posted on 06/06/2021 11:46:28 AM PDT by gloryblaze
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To: deek69

I hope we can honor the sacrifices of all those brave men by keeping this country worth fighting for.

Mrs AV


15 posted on 06/06/2021 1:01:10 PM PDT by Atomic Vomit (http://www.cafepress.com/aroostookbeauty/358829)
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To: Atomic Vomit

And can I just say - the man can REPRESENT!! Standing there tall and proud. At 96 years old, so dignified.

All respect to him.

Mrs AV


16 posted on 06/06/2021 1:06:41 PM PDT by Atomic Vomit (http://www.cafepress.com/aroostookbeauty/358829)
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