June marks the 80th Anniversary of the assault on the beaches of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Lest We Forget will stage battles on the shores of Tiscornia Beach on Saturday, June 22, 2024. WWII veterans and their families will have reserved VIP seating. RSVP by calling 269-429-2098.
This event is FREE for everyone and is family focused on education. Everything is funded through fundraisers, grants and donations. Past annual Lest We Forget productions have focused on World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam, the United States Navy, Women in Service and the Cold War. To continue the goal to Brighten the Future by Illuminating the Past, next year veterans from Desert Storm, the Balkan Wars, Afghanistan and Iraq will share their experiences. Financial contributions are gratefully accepted.
Action begins at 9:00 a.m. with music provided by the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, a parachute flag drop and an inspection of the grounds by German High Command. As planes fly overhead, simulated bombs provided by Lance Hazen and his Great Lakes Effects Co. team will prepare the beach for the assault. Higgins Boats, Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT-2 Buffalos) and a DUKW will carry reenactors onto the beach. Military Historian Bill Sheets will interpret the action and provide historical facts throughout the day.
The Battle of Saipan was an amphibious assault launched by the United States against the Empire of Japan during the Pacific campaign of World War II between 15 June and 9 July 1944. At 1:00 p.m. a reenactment of this battle will take place. During the time between these two battles there will be a Flamethrower demonstration by Katie Gromlovits and WWII stories. Food trucks will be on site.
No vehicles will be allowed in the beach parking lot. Follow signs to area parking lots and ride one of the free shuttle buses. Wheelchair handicap parking will be on Momany Drive. Motorcycles, bicycles and walk-ins can go directly to Tiscornia Beach.
Air Craft Rides are available June 22 and 23 at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, 1123 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Choose the WWII C-47 HAIRLESS JOE by reserving your ride at https://miflightmuseum.org/c47-transport. The American Huey 369 Vietnam helicopter and a Robinson R44 will also be giving rides for a fee.
Lots of family activities continue Saturday and Sunday, June 22 - 23 at the airport. A 32’ Climbing Wall, 20th Century Military hands on Museum, Obstacle Course, displays and reenactor camp sites are some of the attractions available to the public.
Attendees are encouraged to join Lest We Forget on site. One year membership dues are $10. Lifetime membership is $50 and over 80 years old is free. You do not have to be a veteran to become a member of LWF. Membership meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport starting at 10:00 a.m. with coffee and donuts at 9:30.
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