The following essay was written by Howard Severt Landey after visiting Normandy American Cemetery in 1976.Â
Landey served in the U.S. Army and was a part of the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. As a member of the First Army, Advanced Section, European Petroleum Division, Landey drove a truck loaded with gasoline to supply troops on the front line.
Landey, who lived in Grand Rapids, passed away on July 4, 2012. He was 94 years old. His wife, Donnabelle, found the essay while consolidating his belongings. It reflects on the sacrifices made by men and women of the United States Armed Forces and why we should remember those who gave their lives.