TOPICS: D-Day WWII Memorial Veterans Commemorate Operation Overlord Navy Patriotism

BEDFORD, Va. (WSET) — June 6, 2025 is the 81st anniversary of the day Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France to breach Hitler's defenses in western Europe, known as Operation Overlord.

D-Day was a monumental part of WWII, and it eventually led to the end of Hitler's regime.

Hundreds gathered at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford to commemorate our heroes.

Clarence Wenzel was one of 10 WWII veterans honored.

According to the D-Day Memorial, Wenzel joined the U.S. Navy (Reserve) right out of college in March 1944, and spent 26 weeks in preflight training at the University of North Carolina to earn his wings. During his service, he made 72 carrier landings, with no wave-offs.

He said that w

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