FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — June 6, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the day allied troops stormed the beaches in Normandy, France in World War II. Local veterans groups believe keeping the memory of their sacrifice alive is more important now than ever.
"The World War II generation is getting older," Mike Lewis, veteran service officer for Washington County, said. "We just need to make sure that the history of World War II and what they did is not lost on the younger generation."
Lewis added that a part of his organization’s mission is helping to educate people on the history and sacrifice of this nation’s World War II veterans.
"As a veteran and a veteran service officer, we don't play politics or favoritism here in this office," Lewis said. "All we want to do is educate people on the sacrifices of those that are called that 'greatest generation.'"
Lewis, who served 25 years in the United States Air Force, said he spends his time working to help those who served this country.
"Throughout the year, we host town hall meetings in this office," Lewis said. "We have presentations about our benefits and things that we do. We talk about the VA hospital and some of the benefits for the VA hospital, but also give them those resources to be able to [do] outreach and do things here."
Lewis said many organizations throughout Northwest Arkansas help local veterans participate in events such as fly fishing, canoeing, and working with various animals.
Lewis, who was once stationed in Germany, described the surreal experience of visiting Normandy for him and his family.
"It's quiet, and you just walk around and you just kind of take in the sights and take in the feeling of what you get from World War II," Lewis said. "I've got a long line of military folks in my history, my dad, my grandfather, and so just being a military veteran, and being there, understanding what they went through, looking down at those cliffs there at Omaha Beach in Normandy, I mean, it's very surreal."
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