This is the story of Richie, an 11 year old boy and his dad who traveled to Normandy, France to pay their respect to the men who had fallen on Omaha Beach on D-Day 1944. As a part of his personal Memorial Day remembrance project, he wanted to teach visitors to the cemetery about the lives of three paratroopers who never made it home.

Dressed in his World War II style uniform, Richie attempted to enter the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France to pay his respects to these three men. Local police would not allow him to have his ceremony in the cemetery in his uniform. Not deterred Richie and his father headed to the Omaha Beach where the actual invasion took place and so many of our fighting men gave their lives. What happened next was a blessing to those that witnessed his great testimony to these men.

An American Veteran pays his respects to Richie
Veteran Salutes Richie on Omaha Beach - Normandy - France
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In 2014, during the week of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, my father and I spent four days in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, where I taught people about three paratroopers who are buried there. When we got home from our trip my father posted a video about me saluting on Omaha beach. So many people were touched by the video that I have decided to create this blog and to broaden our project to include stories and memories of American soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in any war. ~ Richie

A Western Union Telegram to the Parents of Private Philip Germer who gave it all.
Western Union - Private Phillip Germer was Killed
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After and hour and a half, he collapsed in my arms.

Project Vigil: D-Day 2014, The saluting boy on Omaha beach – Video

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