D-Day Tribute honors local heroes
The Salem Centre auditorium was filled to capacity on June 4 during a D-Day Tribute to Our Heroes hosted by We Can Be Heroes Foundation. Purple Heart veteran Frank Purpura, from Jacksonville, was the guest of honor.
Purpura is an active member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 524. Al Ferraro, Jacksonville City Council member, District #2, presented Frank Purpura with a Certificate of Commendation for his service to veterans and the community.
“Thank you for being here today. I am humbled to be remembered and be in the presence of so many heroes,” Purpura said.
When World War II veteran Purpura was 18 years old, he was aboard the LST 356 while his ship and many other ships loaded with men, supplies and ammunition began their deployment to France’s beaches in terrible stormy weather for the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. Purpura was struck with shrapnel from flying debris, patched up and quickly returned to duty. As a Higgins boat driver, he then made over 50 trips between Utah, Sword and the other Normandy beaches. The LST 356 participated in several different actions earning three battle stars.
Several unsung heroes were recognized for their sacrifices by We Can Be Heroes Foundation President Beth Heath and the foundation’s national spokesman, C.S. Bennett. Each of the following unsung heroes was presented the foundation’s Thanks to the Unsung Hero Who Lives Here yard sign: the late Jacksonville Navy Chief Petty Officer Clarence Roach, Maryland’s Volunteer Extraordinaire Barbara Montgomery, Jodi Tipton from Jacksonville and Carolyn Bennett from Interlachen.
Police and community heroes were recognized as well. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Chris King introduced 2021 Police Officer of the Year Jean Kleber and Assistant Chief Josh Benoit introduced the 2021 Corrections Officer of the Year Edwin Rivera.
Retired Navy captain and historian James Ransom III presented stories and pictures of the D-Day invasion, Unsung Heroes of the invasion and the founding of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va. The Atlantic Coast Young Marines presented colors and the Let Freedom Sing Choir performed.
By Karen Rieley
Resident Community News
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