The We Can Be Heroes Foundation honored the veterans who served and sacrificed their lives during D-Day with its annual remembrance June 6 with a presentation at the Salem Centre Auditorium in Jacksonville.
John Connelly as one of the many veterans who attended the event on the night. He served during World War II as a pilot and was a prisoner of war, having spent time in two German prison camps after being captured during the war.
Also in attendance was Capt. Gregory Streeter, who retired from the U.S. Navy and was the past commander general of the Naval Order of the United States.
Streeter has become a regular over the years at the D-Day banquet, and it's only fitting because not only is he a veteran, but he also was instrumental in helping get a monument built on the beaches of Normandy, France, that honors the heroic acts of the U.S. Navy on that fateful day.
According to Streeter, at the time when the monument was erected, there were various D-Day monuments around the area, but none commemorating the U.S. Navy.
There were many veterans that had hoped to make it on the night but were unable to due to health-related issues they are dealing with.
Beth Heath asked the audience to remember to pray for those veterans who continue to battle the ailments they are going through.
“Our veterans have set such a high bar for us to follow,” Heath said. “Please include them in your daily prayers. They will appreciate your support and thoughts.”
Tables throughout the auditorium had family members of World War II veterans who had passed away but continue to be honored by placing a photo of them in the middle of the table, often in their military uniform.
“Nine out of 10 times they’ve got the cutest and biggest smiles you’ll ever see in those photos,” Heath said. “There are some sweet memories at those tables.”
Three members of the community were on hand and called up on stage to receive certificates and a special yard sign announcing that they were named as an “Unsung Hero” within the community.
Eadie Dumm is a member of VFW Post 7909 and recently set up a donation table to sell homemade goods to help raise donations for the Atlantic Coast Young Marines to go on a trip to Normandy to learn about World War II history firsthand this summer.
With the help of Dumm, We Can Be Heroes Foundation and other veteran-supported groups, the Young Marines are sending 21 members to Normandy and will leave Jacksonville and fly to France on June 8.
Dianne Lavelle was honored for her countless hours both nights and weekends as a volunteer and helping to fill bags of food for homeless veterans.
Russell Greaney was the last person recognized as an “unsung hero” for his role as a member, mentor and inspiration for homeless veterans at the Clara White Mission in Jacksonville.
One of the last surprises of the night included Heath getting recognized and presented with a plaque by Jacksonville City Council member Al Ferraro for her continued dedication and work to help veterans in the local area.
