While The Natural State is seemingly a world away from Normandy, France, our contributions to the daring undertaking there at a pivotal moment in World War II are remarkably linked.

Eighty-one years after Operation Overlord, initiated with the “D-Day” operation, we solemnly honor the heroic Americans who sacrificed their lives on the front lines of freedom. Within their ranks stood hundreds of sons of Arkansas who bravely fought and made the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches, cliffs and countryside as well as in the skies above.

We can never forget the names and stories of our state’s Greatest Generation who perished in this crucible that unlocked the liberation of Europe.

Just minutes into that fateful day, Pfc. Harold “Gene” Sellers of Jonesboro, an elite “pathfinder” paratrooper, launched into the dark sky behind enemy lines. Tasked with the critical mission of identifying drop zones for fellow paratroopers during the main invasion, he was mortally injured and is recognized as one of the first American casualties of the entire operation.

Paratrooper Pvt. Lloyd J. Burchfield of College Hill and Staff Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman of Rector relied on the efforts of pathfinders such as Gene as they jumped into the night air. Burchfield, whose objective was to locate and assemble howitzers to support infantry efforts and protect subsequent paratrooper landings, was killed in action. Squad leader “Bull” found himself separated from his fellow members of Easy Company, and managed to survive alone overnight until he could regroup and continue securing causeways. 

About five hours later, the USS Satterlee, aggressively positioned between the Omaha and Utah beaches, opened fire alongside the USS Texas –– initiating what would unfold into hours and hours of the heaviest and most significant combat of WWII. Manning the USS Satterlee was K.B. Smith of Bella Vista, providing cover to the men of the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaling the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc to disable German artillery stations.

Off Omaha Beach, the USS Arkansas began delivering 12 continuous hours of cover fire amid the landing assault. Its intensive, continual bombardment significantly contributed to the weakening of the “Atlantic Wall.”

As the Higgins boats hit shoreline, Pvt. Rodger D. Andrews of Gravette undertook his unit’s mission to disarm German mines and clear obstacles. He was killed in action and his remains were only recently identified and will be interred on Arkansas soil this month. In further waves, the 18th Infantry Regiment was dispatched, including TSgt. Gerald M. Henderson of Pike County and Pfc. Isaac Woodrow Wright of De Queen. Both men had bravely served in North Africa and the Allied invasion of Sicily and lost their lives in Normandy; Wright was fatally wounded under the intense fire his unit faced while securing a critical portion of the beach while Henderson died shortly after rescuing two wounded fellow soldiers, running into direct fire to save a third. 

On that day, over 4,000 other Allied and American soldiers laid down their lives. It remains a stark reminder of the cost to defeat tyranny and defend the cause of liberty.

Preserving the legacy of this day, and those whose experiences define it, for our children, grandchildren and future generations is vital. As Arkansans, we should be especially devoted to remembering and honoring the scores of Natural State heroes who did their part and sacrificed so much. Their valor and bravery must always be at the heart of our reflections as we continue to mark the tragedy and triumph that D-Day represents.