One World War II vet got the chance to walk the shores of Omaha Beach 80 years after serving on D-Day, and the footage is truly moving. Dennis Boldt, who was there June 6, 1944, recently returned to the historic site. A younger fellow veteran escorted him across the beach. This man considered it the “honor of a lifetime” to accompany the elderly vet. Afterward, the Walk Among Heroes organization shared a video of the meaningful moment to social media.
“World War II Veteran Dennis Boldt returns to Omaha Beach 80 years after American soldiers landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944,” read the caption. “It’s an absolute honor to escort him on this journey.”
D-Day represents a huge win for Allies during World War II, though by no means an easy one. Over two thousand American soldiers died in the fight at Omaha Beach in France. However, the National WWII Museum website tells us that this battle marked a decisive moment in the war. It enabled American troops to establish a strong position in Europe, which was largely occupied by Nazi forces.
Walk Among Heroes Honored this World War II Vet.
Vet Dennis Boldt was part of this incredible moment in history, so it was especially significant for him to return to Omaha Beach all these decades later. It was also pretty special for his walking companion, Jeff Wells. As the president of Walk Among Heroes, he’s dedicated his life to making sure that Americans remember their military history.
“Our mission is to ensure that no hero will ever be forgotten,” reads the organization’s mission statement. “Millions of brave men and women sacrificed their lives to preserve & protect the greatest privilege on earth: freedom. As our heroes grow older, it is our duty to ensure that these stories are preserved, celebrated and passed forward to future generations.”