June 6, 1944. This marks the monumental day when Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in what became the largest seaborne invasion in world history. June 6, 2026, commemorates the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, and serves as a reminder of the sacrifice, determination, and heroism of the men and women who gave everything for our civilization.
Young America’s Foundation has honored those heroes by sending 25 of the top Young Americans for Freedom student activists from across the country to Normandy alongside Lt. Col. Allen West.
The students visited Pointe Du Hoc, each D-Day landing beach, the Normandy American Cemetery, Sainte Mere-Église, “Dead Man’s Corner,” Pegasus Bridge, and several other notable D-Day locations. Several students also met 102-year-old fighter pilot Jimmy Stark, a World War II veteran who returned to Normandy for the ceremony at the American cemetery.
“Nothing came close to the excitement and honor of meeting a real WWII veteran who was taken captive by the Nazis,” remarked University of Dallas Young Americans for Freedom Chairman, Liam Ritter. ”We all found Jimmy to be a true inspiration and a reminder of all that is great and worthwhile about America.”
This trip highlights the opportunities that Young America’s Foundation continues to provide to conservative students. The in-person experience of seeing the locations where these events transpired is impactful and instills a sense of deep gratitude.
“It’s just an incredible opportunity for us to connect this present generation with what the greatest generation did,” said Lt. Col. Allen West on The Brian Kilmeade Show. ”It’s just a remarkable day; we need to honor it here in the states like they do in France.”
Students spoke of the immense impact that the trip had on them.
“I have a renewed commitment to protect our country from all those who wish it harm because I have seen the ultimate sacrifice that others have made for it” said Michigan State University YAF Chairman, Aiden Haas.
University of Alabama YAF Chairman, Caleb Elmore, was particularly impacted by the visit to Omaha Beach where his great grandfather landed 82 years ago.
“You came here because their memory cannot be forgotten,” West remarked while addressing students, “it is incumbent upon each and every one of you to take what you saw here back.”
