NORMANDY, FRANCE – A touching tribute was paid to the soldiers who participated in the June 6th, 1944 (D-Day) liberating invasion of Normandy.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte 49er Marching Band was in Normandy as part of a special project.
A member of the band, Jarod Ricks, hails from Rockingham and was featured last week in the Richmond Observer as part of this trip. (His interview is available via a link embedded below.)
Another band member, Curtis Chancy, found special meaning in visiting the sight of the Omaha Beach invasion: his grandfather and great-uncle both fought on this hallowed ground and subsequent battles that ultimately liberated France from Nazi occupation. Although his grandfather survived, such was not the case for his great-uncle.
Chancy himself has recently served in the military. As a U.S. Army enlistee, he fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Compliments of UNCC, links to videos, photos, and other material related to the “Pride of Niner Nation” experiences in Normandy are made available below. Clips are depicted of the 49er band members’ visiting Brittany American Cemetery and offering their respects to the individual graves.
Please visit normandy.uncc.edu or Inside.uncc.edu or UNC Charlotte Official Facebook Page and/or https://drive.google.com for further insight regarding the UNCC 49er Marching Band D-Day Commemoration visit to Normandy.
