ABILENE — Governor Laura Kelly today joined veterans of World War II, the Eisenhower Foundation, and local, state, and federal leaders at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to observe the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“As we commemorate the 80 years since D-Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who bravely fought in World War II,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “General Eisenhower’s leadership and expertise were invaluable in carrying out this successful operation, which laid the foundation for the peace he championed throughout his lifetime. May we never forget the sacrifices and stories of those who served.”

The D-Day operation brought together land, air, and sea armed forces on the beaches of Normandy in World War II. Under the leadership of Kansan and then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation resulted in France’s liberation and the Allied forces’ subsequent victory.

“Today, we honor those who served and those who gave their all to end the last World War,” said Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Foundation. “As one of the first organizations formed to honor World War II veterans, the Eisenhower Foundation is honored to hold this event alongside the global commemoration of D-Day. We do this to ensure we do not forget the sacrifices made to ensure the freedoms we still hold dear today.”

The Eisenhower Foundation was formed in 1945 to honor President Eisenhower through programs and events that celebrate his legacy. The D-Day remembrance ceremony included a wreath-laying and certificates of honor for 21 World War II veterans.