Ken Hay’s part in the invasion of Normandy lasted just a few weeks, but he wants to make sure the experiences of those who fought and died to end the Nazi grip on Europe live forever.
The British Army veteran was captured a few weeks after the D-Day (June 6) landings in northern France when his patrol was surrounded by German troops during the two-month battle for strategic high ground outside the city of Caen known simply as Hill 112. Nine members of his platoon were killed that night. Hay spent the next 10 months as a prisoner of war.
Now 98, Hay visits schools whenever he can to tell his story, so the battle to liberate France and defeat Nazi Germany doesn’t become a dusty relic of history like the Greek and Roman wars he read about as a child.
Veterans know this is likely to be the last major event to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought and died to liberate France.
World leaders have recognized the significance of the event.
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