If you stormed the beach in the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944, or assisted with the region’s reconstruction, a medal awaits you.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day this year, the Normandy regional government and the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts are conducting a search, hoping to recognize the veterans who landed on the beach or contributed to the reconstruction of Normandy after the war.
Christen Dunn of the Boy Scouts’ Chester County Council explained that the Normandy government contacted the Scout’s Trans-Atlantic Council, which oversees the Boy Scouts’ European operations, and they contacted the U.S. councils to seek assistance in locating recipients and distributing the medals.
The timing was fortuitous, Dunn said, explaining that the request dovetailed with the local Scouts’ 13th Annual Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast.
The breakfast will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, starting at 7:15 a.m. at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 815 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton. This year’s keynote speaker is Chester County Chief Deputy Sheriff George P. March – another stroke of good fortune, Dunn said.
As chief deputy, March, a longtime member of the Pennsylvania State Police, is responsible for providing day-by-day operational oversight and direction to the members of the Sheriff’s Office. March formerly served as a member of the Honor Guard Company of the Army’s Third Infantry Regiment, and he became an Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 2 in Downingtown, where he was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and a staff member at Horseshoe Scout Reservation for one summer.
“He has the perfect background,” said Dunn, “and I think he is super excited about speaking.”
March said Dunn was correct. “I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. He said the event would have personal significance because his late father was a paratrooper who spent time in France during World War II, although he did not participate in the invasion.
“I think it’s great that there are organizations that still have good relationships with foreign governments so that something like this can be accomplished,” March said. “These people deserve to be honored.”
Dunn said so far the Scouts have 14 confirmed recipients, six of whom are definitely coming to the breakfast, which also serves as a fundraiser. She said sponsors have covered the event’s costs, and people are asked to provide a free-will donation at the door. She said the event typically attracts 150 to 200 guests.
An added bonus will be an appearance by the French ambassador. Dunn said he is the cousin of one of the council’s executive board members. “It’s all fallen into place,” she said.
If you qualify or know someone who does, contact Dunn at the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts: [email protected] or 610-696-2900 ext. 16. Callers should have the following information: full name of the veteran, contact information, military unit in Normandy (rank at the time would be helpful, but not necessary).
Dunn said the medal recipients do not have to live in Chester County. The goal is to make sure everyone is recognized. She said the various Boy Scout Councils would be in contact with each other to make sure no overlap occurs.
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