Two World War II veterans from the Treasure Coast were warmly received upon their return to Palm Beach International Airport, as reported by CBS12. Sydney Edson, 100, from Lake Worth Beach, and Ray Glansberg, 102, from Port Saint Lucie were part of a group of 66 World War II veterans chosen for the American Airlines D-Day Memorial Honor Flight to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The Southeast Florida Honor Flight organized the recent trip, enabling these centenarians, among other veterans, to honor their fallen comrades in arms. "I came on the trip only for one reason, to pay our respects to the guys that really had it tough and did the job," Edson said after landing, in an interview with CBS12. Glansberg, a former welder and radio operator and gunner in a B-24 Liberator, recalled his D-Day duty with clarity, expressing the hope that their efforts would aid the soldiers storming the beaches.
During their time in France, the veterans participated in ceremonies, met with officials and had the opportunity to connect with fellow servicemen, a trip that transcends mere nostalgia by allowing an ailing generation to revisit the theater of their valor one final epoch. Participation in such events enables healing and closure, not just for the veterans themselves, but also for a nation eternally grappling with the weight of historical bloodshed.
Upon their arrival back in Florida, community members were present to offer a heartfelt welcome. This trip and the reception that followed underscores the enduring respect and gratitude that the American public holds for those who served during World War II. "Today is the day, we were hoping it would help the soldiers invading all of the beaches," Edson told CBS12, giving a glimpse into the mindset of a soldier on the front lines of history.
For more information on the veterans' visit to Normandy and their homecoming, details can be found in the reports from CBS12 and additional coverage by WPTV post on X.
World War II D-Day veterans return to Palm Beach County after trip to Normandy for 80th anniversaryhttps://t.co/E2GCBPJZSK
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