Gettysburg JROTC Plans D-Day Anniversary Commemoration in Normandy

By Anna Seils

The 150^th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg is not the only notable anniversary in recent history; the 70^th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in France will take place in June 2014. 

Cadets from the Gettysburg Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Warrior Battalion (JROTC) are reaching out to the community for support in their fundraising goal to represent Pennsylvania in the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day ceremonies in Normandy, France. Cadets will participate in an international service learning project that includes participation in official ceremonies to honor veterans of the Greatest Generation, including marching in the 70^th anniversary parade. 

The goal of the cadets is to raise $100,000 to fund 30 cadets and 10 chaperones and official guests to attend the ceremonies in France. The participants are responsible for their own expenses, so the fundraiser is in place to reduce the cost. The Gettysburg JROTC is the only unit out of 60 units from Pennsylvania invited to attend the ceremony.

Gettysburg is the sister city to Sainte-Mere-Eglise in France, which was the first town American forces liberated during the D-Day invasion and also where the celebration parade will take place. The Gettysburg High School graduation ceremony will be broadcast from Gettysburg to France allowing graduating cadets to participate in the graduation ceremonies and anniversary ceremonies.  

There are only 15 days left in the fundraising campaign, with $70,563 raised so far. For more information or to donate, visit www.fundly.com/jrotc2france or www.facebook.com/jrotc2france.