D-Day Celebration 2011

U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Lambert, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander, speaks to those in attendance at a ceremony in Picauville, France for the 67th Anniversary of D-Day, June 3, 2011. Each year since the liberation of Normandy, U.S. forces along with allied nations come together to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day. This year's ceremony is scheduled to be attended by dozens of American World War II veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

D-Day Celebration 2011

U.S. Air Force members from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, render a salute during the playing of national anthems at a ceremony in Picauville, France, for the 67th Anniversary of D-Day, June 3, 2011. Each year since the liberation of Normandy, U.S. forces along with allied nations come together to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day. This year's ceremony is scheduled to be attended by dozens of American World War II veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

D-Day Celebration 2011

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, flies through the skies of Picauville, France for the 67th Anniversary of D-Day remembrance ceremony, June 3, 2011. Each year since the liberation of Normandy, U.S. forces along with allied nations come together to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day. This year's ceremony is scheduled to be attended by dozens of American World War II veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

D-Day Celebration 2011

U.S. forces along with allied nations come together for a ceremony in Picauville, France for the 67th Anniversary of D-Day, June 3, 2011. Each year since the liberation of Normandy, U.S. forces and allies gather to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day. This year's ceremony is scheduled to be attended by dozens of American World War II veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

D-Day Celebration 2011

A World War II veteran signs memorabilia for those in attendance at a ceremony in Picauville, France for the 67th Anniversary of D-Day, June 3, 2011. Each year since the liberation of Normandy, U.S. forces along with allied nations come together to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day. This year's ceremony is scheduled to be attended by dozens of American World War II veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

Ramstein Remembers D-Day 2011

Published June 10, 2011
By Senior Airman Caleb Pierce
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Sixty seven years ago, many lost their lives to help free a nation. Today we still remember their sacrifice every year with celebrations throughout Normandy. Team Ramstein helped support several of these events during Task Force Normandy 2011 held June 3-6.

Task Force Normandy 2011 was a week of ceremonies and celebrations at memorials throughout Normandy including memorials at Utah and Omaha Beach. U.S. forces along with British, French and German allies welcomed back World War II veterans and honored the fallen heroes of D-Day.

"It's a very significant experience," said Maj. Gen. Jim Rubeor, 22nd Air Force commander, Dobbins Air Force Reserve Command. "The people have been very kind to us, very welcoming, almost like an international affair."

U.S forces came to help support the events through flybys, color guard posting of the colors, drill formations and memorial presentations. The 86th Airlift Wing and the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing from Ramstein, provided support with C-130J Super Hercules flybys, personnel and assets to make this year's celebration a success.

"It makes you incredibly proud to see our airman, our aviators, crew chiefs, loadmasters coming out to work with allied nations," said Col. Stephen Lambert, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander. "It's a truly total force of reservist, guardsmen and our brothers and sisters of the 435th are here all working together with the French people to commemorate this event."

The 86th AW and the 435th AGOW hold a unique appreciation for the historical events surrounding D-Day. Both wings share a direct lineage to the 435th Troop Carrier Wing and the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron who delivered thousands of U.S. paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into Normandy on June 6, 1944.

"It is real impressive to think that 67 years ago our direct predecessors in this squadron were busy delivering paratroopers to liberate France," said Capt. Jason Childs, 86th Operations Support Squadron.

The French citizens welcomed the U.S. and allied forces back to their shores with open arms.

"We can't get over it, the way they have accepted us, it's like coming home," said Ellan Levitsky who was in attendance with her sister Dorothy, both who served together in World War II. "There is always a piece of Normandy in our hearts."

Some people in attendance came dressed as World War II military re-enactors.

"I do it so I can try to understand more about these men and women and what went through their minds to give their lives for us," said Jon Fletcher, professional military re-enactor.

After this year's D-Day commemoration ended, team Ramstein came home from a successful mission.

"It was a success to have that many moving parts come together for the remembrance of so many of those who have gone before us to secure the freedom we all share today," said Capt. Ryan Miller, 37th Airlift Squadron pilot.