Virginia Guard commemorates 66th anniversary of D-Day with special observance event in Winchester
The Virginia National Guard hosted a special observance June 5 in Winchester to recognize Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division and the 116th Infantry Regiment for their role in the D-Day landings at Normandy during World War II. The event featured music from the 29th Army Band, displays of period uniforms and equipment and remarks from former Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh, Congressman Frank Wolf , Delegate Bev Sherwood, Virginia Commissioner of Veterans Services Paul Galanti and Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. The event also recognized the service of Maj. Thomas D. Howie who commanded the Winchester-base 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry at D-Day and was killed in action while his unit was trying to capture the French town of Saint Lo. Sally McDevitt, Howie’s daughter, along with member’s of Howie’s extended family, unveiled a portrait of Howie that will be part of classroom dedicated in his name and also planted a tree in his memory in front of the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center. (Photo by Sgt. Andrew H. Owen, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)
Virginia Guard commemorates 66th anniversary of D-Day with special observance event in Winchester
The Virginia National Guard hosted a special observance June 5 in Winchester to recognize Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division and the 116th Infantry Regiment for their role in the D-Day landings at Normandy during World War II. The event featured music from the 29th Army Band, displays of period uniforms and equipment and remarks from former Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh, Congressman Frank Wolf , Delegate Bev Sherwood, Virginia Commissioner of Veterans Services Paul Galanti and Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia. The event also recognized the service of Maj. Thomas D. Howie who commanded the Winchester-base 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry at D-Day and was killed in action while his unit was trying to capture the French town of Saint Lo. Sally McDevitt, Howie’s daughter, along with member’s of Howie’s extended family, unveiled a portrait of Howie that will be part of classroom dedicated in his name and also planted a tree in his memory in front of the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center. (Photo by Sgt. Andrew H. Owen, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)