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NORMANDY, France — Senior leaders often call the daughter of a Fallon couple — and those who serve with her — a part of the next “greatest generation.”
Army Pfc. Melissa M. Davies, daughter of Robin D. and Melinda J. Sharrard of Fallon, recently traveled to now silenced battlefields with names like Omaha and Utah Beaches to observe the 65th Commemoration of D-Day.
They were there to honor those who were a part of that “greatest generation” who served in one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles in world history.
Davies, a military police specialist, and more than 1,000 service members from posts and bases throughout Europe and the U.S., converged on the historic Normandy area to honor those who served, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice, on June 6, 1944.
Week-long ceremonies took place throughout the region in such historic places as St. Mere Eglise, Omaha and Utah Beaches and small villages in the area that were vital to the success of the allies push into Europe against Nazi Germany.
Army Pfc. Melissa M. Davies, daughter of Robin D. and Melinda J. Sharrard of Fallon, recently traveled to now silenced battlefields with names like Omaha and Utah Beaches to observe the 65th Commemoration of D-Day.
They were there to honor those who were a part of that “greatest generation” who served in one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles in world history.
Davies, a military police specialist, and more than 1,000 service members from posts and bases throughout Europe and the U.S., converged on the historic Normandy area to honor those who served, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice, on June 6, 1944.
Week-long ceremonies took place throughout the region in such historic places as St. Mere Eglise, Omaha and Utah Beaches and small villages in the area that were vital to the success of the allies push into Europe against Nazi Germany.
President Barack Obama met with leaders from Great Britain, France and Canada at a special ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Celebrations at small towns throughout Normandy were capped by a parachute demonstration from airborne paratroopers representing many of the units involved with the D-Day operations.
“My role in the ceremony was as a part of the honor cordon and security,” said Davies, a 2007 graduate of Churchill County High School.
For Davies, it was hard to imagine that the tranquil farming villages and pristine beaches were once the scene of carnage and destruction that took the lives of more than 4,000 Americans in just one day.
“The biggest impact on me was actually visiting a cemetery like the one at Normandy, and seeing where the fighting actually took place,” said Davies.
Today, the 360 miles of coastline that makes up Normandy is mostly lush farmland, bustling market towns and historic landmarks that commemorate important battles that took place more than six decades ago. The residents of the area have never forgotten the sacrifices of the Americans who fought here and embrace today's soldiers just as heartily as those who liberated them.
“Normandy is beautiful! I never thought I would ever stand on Omaha Beach. Everyone was very welcoming, also. My hand got tired from waving at everyone, and the food was definitely different,” said Davies.
Davies is normally stationed in Bamberg, Germany, with the 630th Military Police Company, where she works as a military police specialist. She has served in the Army for a year, but has not yet deployed.
“My role in the ceremony was as a part of the honor cordon and security,” said Davies, a 2007 graduate of Churchill County High School.
For Davies, it was hard to imagine that the tranquil farming villages and pristine beaches were once the scene of carnage and destruction that took the lives of more than 4,000 Americans in just one day.
“The biggest impact on me was actually visiting a cemetery like the one at Normandy, and seeing where the fighting actually took place,” said Davies.
Today, the 360 miles of coastline that makes up Normandy is mostly lush farmland, bustling market towns and historic landmarks that commemorate important battles that took place more than six decades ago. The residents of the area have never forgotten the sacrifices of the Americans who fought here and embrace today's soldiers just as heartily as those who liberated them.
“Normandy is beautiful! I never thought I would ever stand on Omaha Beach. Everyone was very welcoming, also. My hand got tired from waving at everyone, and the food was definitely different,” said Davies.
Davies is normally stationed in Bamberg, Germany, with the 630th Military Police Company, where she works as a military police specialist. She has served in the Army for a year, but has not yet deployed.
