HUTCHINSON, Kan. —
The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center hosted The D-Day 70th Anniversary Commemorative Service Saturday, remembering the events of 70 years ago.
“Spooky,” a Douglas AC-47 airplane, flew over the Cosmosphere to signal commencement of the commemorative service.
Judge William Lyle (Lt. Col., retired, USAF), affectionately known as “Buck,” emceed the event. Lyle introduced two keynote speakers: Charles D. (Sam) Gemar and the Honorable Mike Pompeo.
Lyle introduced the keynote speakers at the commemorative service.
Gemar, a shuttle astronaut and Lt. Col., presented his speech Honor, Service and Patriotism. He recollected that “without exception, most of what we learned about our fathers, came after their passing.” Years after service men and women have done their duty, their accolades and courageousness live on.
Gemar remembered friends and family members who served.
Mike Pompeo of the United States House of Representatives followed Gemar with his address on A Grateful Nation. Pompeo recalled the three letters Dwight Eisenhower wrote before, during and after the events of D-Day. “Even though the weather was imperfect, Ike said: ‘We’ll go,’” Pompeo remarked. He also pointed out that it was a humble Kansan who led those courageous warriors on that day 70 years ago.
Pompeo reminded the audience that a Kansan was behind this course-changing event.
Cosmosphere CEO Dick Hollowell dedicated the event and thanked everyone for coming as The Diamond W Wranglers performed multiple patriotic tunes.
Many brave service men and women who have served and are currently serving attended the commemorative service.