Northern Virginia Veterans Parade-VetPar, Inc.

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

"Let us not mourn that such men died, but rejoice that such men lived." - G. Patton

American Military Cemetery in Normandy. Photo: Brian Stewart.

06/07/2026

On this day, we remember D-Day, June 6, 1944, when thousands of brave Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to begin the liberation of Europe from N**i occupation.

We pause to honor the extraordinary courage of those who ran toward danger, facing overwhelming odds in the name of freedom. Their sacrifice lives on in the world we are privileged to know today.

On that single day, over 4,000 Allied soldiers gave their lives. Their legacy is etched not only into the sands of Normandy but into the very soul of our shared history.

As Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower told the troops before the invasion:

“The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”

Those words underscored the weight of the moment. The world watched with hope. Their courage would shape the future of freedom and democracy. Their actions would be remembered, judged, and honored by generations to come.

Between June 6–11, 1944, 10 Medals of Honor were awarded for extraordinary heroism during the Normandy invasion. Each one stands as a symbol of the countless others who willingly risked everything to defend liberty, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice and never left the shores where they landed.

We remember them all — with gratitude and an enduring commitment to honor their legacy.

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

June 6, 1944.
Nearly 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France in the largest naval, air, and land operation in history. They came under fire before they reached the shore. Many never made it off the beach.
Allied casualties on June 6 have been estimated at 10,000 killed, wounded, and missing in action. 6,603 Americans. 2,700 British. 946 Canadians.
They were not soldiers in that moment. They were sons. Brothers. Fathers. Men who answered a call that history required of them and gave everything they had.
82 years later we have not forgotten what they did on those beaches.

We never will.

06/07/2026

Today, we honor William T. Trant, a World War II veteran, D-Day survivor, and hero laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery.

On June 6, 1944, Trant landed at Utah Beach as a forward observer with Company A, 87th Chemical Mortar Battalion, during the Allied invasion of Normandy better known as D-Day.

As part of the assault force, he faced intense enemy fire on the beaches of France and was wounded during the initial invasion. For his courage and sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart and later received an Oak Leaf Cluster after being wounded again during combat in the Huertgen Forest.

His military decorations included the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with five bronze battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Arrowhead, a Unit Citation, and a Certificate of Merit.

As we commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, we remember William T. Trant's courage, sacrifice, and service. His actions on the shores of Normandy helped secure a foothold in Europe and contributed to the Allied victory in World War II. Today, we proudly honor his legacy at Quantico National Cemetery .

06/07/2026