WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden celebrated Army Heritage Month and commemorated the 78th D-Day Anniversary with a display of World War II vehicles at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's Wiesbaden-Hainerberg Mall.
The vehicles made their way from Omaha Beach and Utah Beach to Hainerberg, 840 kilometers or roughly 522 miles. USAG Wiesbaden commemorated the 78th D-Day Anniversary as part of the annual Army Heritage Month during the month of June.
On June 5, USAG Wiesbaden displayed World War II vintage military vehicles, equipment and weapons in memory of the achievements of the U.S. Army in liberating Europe. Supported by the Friends of the U.S. Military Vehicle Club, AAFES and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, jeeps, historical equipment and weapons were displayed.
“Army Heritage Month activities are conducted to recognize diversity, promote cohesion, teamwork and esprit de corps within the Army. These activities foster a culture of equity and inclusion, and enhance heritage awareness and understanding. These activities should also promote understanding, teamwork, harmony and pride,” said Sgt. 1st Class Terence A. Davenport, Military Equal Opportunity advisor. Davenport was responsible for the overall organization of the day.
A Panzerfaust, an MG-42 machine gun, a bazooka, a Thomson submachine gun, a grease gun, grenade launchers and many other restored weapons were on display. However, the vehicles on display were particularly attractive to the 400 visitors. Among the vehicles was an original Dodge Weapon Carrier, built in 1942, which arrived in Normandy on D-Day in 1944 and finally found its way to Hainerberg.
”Today is a real success. With this exhibition, we have managed to bridge the gap between D-Day and modern Army. All our visitors became aware of why we are here. The kids had a lot of fun. I would like to thank the groups who provided the weapons and the vehicles as well as the Soldiers who patiently explained the equipment to the visitors," said Davenport.
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