Four Massachusetts-based WWII veterans recently made a poignant journey back to France, courtesy of a trip organized by Boston Police Officers from District A-7, Officer Andrew Biggio and Officer Steve Ashman. While many might expect tired clichés surrounding such a voyage, the story here is one of simple homage and remembrance, a living history etching itself into the present moment.
Serving their country over 80 years ago, these centenarian warriors ventured to sites where they once braved the unthinkable. According to a statement from the Boston Police Department, the veterans' itinerary included a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery on June 3rd, where they honored fallen comrades from Boston. There is stillness that echoes in such places, speaking silently of the past that these men carry with them.
Their commemorations continued with Marvin Gilmore - a respected Boston businessman and civil rights activist - returning to Utah Beach, where he was among the black servicemen who landed 80 years prior. "Utah Beach," one of the Normandy Invasion's pivotal sites, saw Gilmore greeting French children, a gesture bridging generations, according to Boston Police. The following day, Bill Soule of Seekonk, Franklin Simon of Milton, and Christy Fier of Avon returned to Omaha Beach, which, held fast by history, bore witness to their return as they had first landed during the war.
As a testament to their valor, all four veterans received not just the honor of remembrance but also contemporary gratitude. On June 6, amid a ceremony attended by international leaders, the veterans met with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. In recognition of their service, they were personally greeted, reports the Boston Police Department. Escorted by fellow officers from District A-7, their journey to and from Boston Logan International Airport became itself a parade of honor — an unassuming tribute to their extraordinary lives.
