East Coweta graduate commemorates D-Day in Normandy

Army Specialist and former East Coweta High School graduate James M. Estabrooks on June 6 joined hundreds of American service members to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

“He and hundreds of other American service members are here commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion in 1944 that changed the course of World War II and history. Honoring our history and securing our future is the reason the American service members are here today,” said a press release by the Joint Hometown News Service (JHNS) in Fort Meade, Maryland.

JHNS said Estabrooks is a member of 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment in Caserma Ederle, Italy. He and other service members spent approximately one week in the Normandy region, participating in ceremonies and representing the Americans who fought here 70 years ago. 

“Having the opportunity to come to Normandy has truly been a humbling experience. It is a dream come true to be here and meet the heroes of America’s greatest generation. Today I am going to jump from an airplane over the town of Ste. Mere Eleise, where 70 years ago paratroopers began the liberation of France. I am walking in the footsteps of giants,” Estabrooks said on June 6.

JNHS said soldiers such as Estabrooks remain indebted to the veterans whose service demonstrated the selfless actions of the “greatest generation” who not only served to protect and defend our nation, but were part of a global force to defend peace and strengthen our ties with an emerging Alliance.

Estabrooks is a 2011 graduate of East Coweta High School.