Local VFW officials and a small group of residents were on hand at the historic Shelby County Courthouse this morning to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the D-Day invasion of Normandy 69 years ago.

"We are here today to commemorate the 69th anniversary of one of the most important dates in history commonly known as D-Day ," said Post Commander Larry Hume. "The code name was Operation Neptune and D-Day was a turning point in WII.  It saw the start of the largest air and sea operation in military history. "

"The United States lost 6,603 soldiers.  Today we take time to reflect on what took place on the beaches of Normandy and appreciate the sacrifice by so many to ensure the continuation of our free market, economy and our federal republic.  Their sacrifices helped give us the freedoms we have today and I find the irony here that among those freedoms they sacrificed for was the freedom  for Americans to ignore this day and ther service as many do.

A memorial wreath was laid on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial in front of the Shelby County Courthouse.