Governor Mikie Sherrill has proclaimed June 6 as D-Day Remembrance Day throughout New Jersey. June 6, 1944, marks the day Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France.

The Department of Veterans Affairs hosted D-Day Recognition Ceremony at the New Jersey World War II Memorial to recognize the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day. Esther Chucaralao, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, served as Master of Ceremonies and attendees heard remarks from U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Arthur Roscoe, Commissioner Vincent Solomeno, and Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell. Our speakers then awarded World War II Veterans with the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. Our honorees included: Melvin Sher, Army Air Force; Tony Spinuzzi, Navy; Alfred Cohn, Army; John Gramby, Army; Edward DiProspero, Army; and Martin Epstein, Navy/Coast Guard.

Thank you to all who gathered to help us honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of service members who answered the call on D-Day. For more photos of the ceremony, please click here.