WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Eight decades after the largest seaborne invasion in history, two World War II veterans, Raymond "Ray" Glansberg and Sydney "Sid" Edson, embark on a poignant journey from Palm Beach International Airport back to the battlefields of Normandy. The duo, honored for their valor, left on Thursday to attend the 80th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings.
The departure was marked with patriotic trimmings as American Airlines gate adorned in America's quintessential red, white, and blue awaited the veterans, while Palm Beach County Fire Rescue saluted them with a water cannon tribute, as they made their trip, the airport shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, extending gratitude for their service with an unmistakable blend of affection and national pride, the message struck a chord, reminding us all of the sacrifices queued in the ledger of freedom.
During a pre-flight interview, the memories of June 6, 1944, were as vivid as the haunting waters they crossed so many years ago, A lot of floating bodies, a lot of blood on the water,
Glansberg recalled, in a statement obtained by WPTV. Edson, looking ahead to the visit, conveyed his anticipation, I'm basically going to pay my respects for all my comrades that didn't make it,
sentiments that echo the collective reverence for those who fell.
Glimpses from the past were shared as Edson described his wartime recollections to WPTV, My work was up above. And as I passed by as we were on a mission and I had a chance to look out, I saw nothing but ships in the sea,
he shared, painting a stark picture of the sheer scale of the operation, his voice a thread stretching back to the first dawn of liberation Europe witnessed after years of war. The 80th anniversary of D-Day will be recognized on Thursday, June 6, both in Normandy where our veterans have set foot again and across the world, where the free honor the cost of their liberty.
