SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — We're just days away from the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy and to commemorate that turning point in history hundreds of parachutists from around the world are getting ready to land on historic sites.
John Lind is a veteran and military historian who's about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
“We are doing the 75th anniversary of the D-Day jump,” he says. “We'll be doing a cross channel jump on June 5th.”
Lind, who's from Shelby Township, is among more than 200 parachutists handpicked from around the globe. He’s heading to England.
They'll commemorate the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy when the allies started their march to Germany and the end of World War II.
“They didn't have to go do it. They stopped Europe from being oppressed and brought liberty and freedom back to Europe,” he says.
Lind is the Director of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum. He has done 165 other jumps, but he's been training for this next feat for two years.
“You'll see waves of C-47s coming across the channel, 30 to 40 aircraft coming across,” he says. “They'll be dropping 10 men in groups of 3.”
Once they jump out of the plane, they may feel light as air, but they'll be wearing gear that weighs more than 100 pounds.
James Bertolino is a Troy firefighter who parachuted there for the 65th D-Day anniversary. He'll never forget landing in the drop zone and seeing a World War II veteran.
“He gave me a big hug to make sure I wasn't forgotten. i get emotional 10 years later. That's why we do it. Help pay tribute to them,” Bertolino says.
A tribute that Lind says he's proud to be a part of, one he hopes reminds everyone of the sacrifices that have been made.
“This is the last hurrah for most of the World War II vets,” he says. “I feel privileged and grateful.”
