By Dewey Terrill

JC Post

During a remembrance ceremony at Fort Riley, Brig. Gen. Todd Wasmund said D-Day was not a story from the history books. “D-Day was real Soldiers, most drafted, many or all afraid who nonetheless embarked on this great crusade as Eisenhower called it to bring about security in a free world. ”

The names of 316 1st Infantry Division Soldiers killed on D-Day were

read aloud during the ceremony on post. Wasmund stated they were men from all walks of life that “accomplished a great victory in the face of terrible odds. Their selfless service and sacrifice eliminated tyranny over the peoples of Europe and won a lasting peace that endures today under the watchful eye of the U.S. and our allies in Europe. That lasting peace is a legacy of these names”

Six World War II veterans were in attendance for the ceremony on Fort Riley. One of them, Oscar Larmer, Manhattan was with the 90th Infantry that fought across France on the north flank of Patton’s Third Army. “Went through the Maginot Line and the Siegfried Line. I was in France for about four months, and it was a cold winter. I fought several little skirmishes cleaning out churches and hedgerows as we went across with Patton.”

John Lindholm, Manhattan, was a B-17 pilot that flew across the Rhine River into Germany. He remembered the fire from the Germans. “Looked like a wall of flak up there ahead of me. ” Lindholm remembered being in Piccadilly Square in London the day the war in Europe ended, and with a chuckle his reaction. ” Well I kissed probably one of the girls there.”

The remembrance ceremony was held at Victory Park adjacent to the 1st Division Headquarters. It included a 21-gun Salute, the retiring of the colors and the presentation of the Flag.