APPLETON — Two World War II veterans returned to Appleton Saturday after participating in 80th anniversary ceremonies of the D-Day invasion of the coast of Normandy, France.
Lawrence Eckstein and Vaughn Collicott arrived at the Appleton International Airport to cheers and thanks from sign-waving family, friends and supporters.
Eckstein fought in Italy during the war and Collicott was on the U.S.S. Meredith off of Utah Beach on D-Day tasked with taking out German bunkers on the beach.
The two men were profiled before they left on WFRV TV.
Dozens of supporters lined the halls of the airport with American flags to welcome the men home after social media posts encouraged people to attend and thank the veterans.
June 6, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War II.
This event, which ultimately led to the liberation of Europe, was commemorated at Normandy American Cemetery.
Individuals wishing to view the replay of the 80th anniversary of D-Day livestream may do so by clicking on ABMC’s YouTube channel.
