Posted on 06/07/2004 10:50:15 AM PDT by kattracks
Defying age and the advice of local authorities, six US World War II veterans parachuted into this northern French village with youthful vigour to remember the invasion of Normandy 60 years ago.Four of the octogenarians had parachuted into Sainte-Mere-Eglise as part of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, making it one of the first villages to be captured by the invading Allied troops in a daring and famous assault behind the enemy lines of Nazi-occupied France.
Sixty years on, on a glorious summer afternoon, the six parachutes unfurled against the clear sky at around 4:00 pm local time (1400 GMT) and all the veterans landed safely to the rousing applause of the hundreds of spectators.
"I feel tremendous. Toujours (always) terrific," Tom Morrison, a veteran of the parachute raid, told the crowd after landing his chute just metres away from the centre of the target.
"It's a pleasure to jump for you and represent all the airborne forces and all the forces who did not get back," added the robust veteran, before yelling at journalists to stop treading on his parachute.
"Jumping today was a little different to back then -- now we have a modern parachute -- and they are just a whole lot easier to fly," he added, expressing regret he had just missed the target.
Morrison's colleagues, decked out in full military uniform, all landed well in nearby fields, managing to easily avoid the threat of a nearby river that had caused local officials some concern.
The drop into Sainte-Mere-Eglise by thousands of US paratroopers at the start of D-Day has become part of World War II folklore and made famous by the film 'The Longest Day'.
Some 40 veterans made a similar commemorative jump here 10 years ago for the 50th anniversary events. Then, their average age was 75.5 years and now it is 85.5 years, so the jump on Monday may be the last.
But obtaining permission for the event had proved a tricky task for the veterans association who organised it, with the local authorities unwilling to allow the former troops to test their skills and bodies over their region.
However last minute intervention from French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, in the form of a fax sent to the local authorities, allowed the jump to go ahead even though officials were somewhat nervous on the day.
"Whenever I was asked about this jump I always gave the same answer," said the mayor of the village, Marc Lefevre, before the event, looking a worried man.
Three doctors and an ambulance were on hand during the jump in case of any mishaps and all those involved had presented medical cerificates saying that they were in good health.
Richard Falvey, 83, a veteran of the D-Day invasion, was originally planning to make the jump but was forced to pull out after dislocating his shoulder in his qualification jump in California.
"This was something that I so passionately wanted to do and I'm so disappointed not to be taking part," he said in a packed English-run cafe while holding court with young admirers.
"But all is not lost. I've met all these wonderful people, French and from all nationalities. It has given me a renewed faith in the people of today," added Falvey.
The onlookers who stayed on here a day after the main D-Day commemorations had come to an end were adamant that the men were right to make the jump. "It sure beats being in a rest home," observed Deborah DeComo of the United States.
Troy, a young American helping in the veterans' landing group agreed. "I think it's just great: they obviously have a passion and it's great that they can continue it. I think they should be allowed to jump whenever and whereever they want."
What was really touching was that, during the military parade when the veterans of D-Day came marching in, they started off walking like frail old men but by the time they made it to the reviewing stand, they seemed to have dug down deep, drew on an inner reserve of strength, and picked up a cadence and marched in unison.
-PJ
My Dad was in the 101st AB 501st PIRA with Carl Beck. Dad was in C co & Carl in H. So, Carl is a very good friend (he's an email junkie, like me) and an incredible person. All of these guys are just the best. The 501st gets together every summer - it's like a big family reunion for us. I was bummed that Carl wouldn't make it to Grand Rapids, MI for our reunion this year so imagine my delight in seeing this article & pics! Can't wait to hear about it in person at reunion next summer!!!
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