WWII historian shares stories about Wilmington’s connection to D-Day, 80 years later

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thursday marks 80 years since the D-Day Normandy Landings. 

On Wednesday at the Hannah Block Historic USO and Community Arts Center a presentation was held on Wilmington’s connection to the historic day. 

There were also WWII re-enactors who had uniforms, weapons, artifacts, and equipment on display. 

Retired Navy Captain and WWII Historian Wilbur Jones shared the story of the U.S. Navy’s invasion and Wilmington’s role in the 1944 attack. 

“Men who landed there, who served on ships offshore, supporting the landings in the English Channel. We had a glider pilot that flew in and brought weapons. A number of men were killed,” Jones said. 

Jones said that ever since he visited the Normandy American Cemetery, made for those who died that day, he has made it his mission to share this story as tribute.