Dave Gibson, Boulder. “Soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force: You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” – Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in the history of mankind. Codenamed Operation Overlord and known as D-Day, nearly 4,000 soldiers sacrificed their lives securing a foothold on the beaches of Normandy, France, against the heavily fortified Nazi war machine. It was the beginning of a long slog across Northern Europe that liberated the continent and ended Hitler’s aspirations of world domination.

Seventy-five years later at Boulder Municipal Airport, those who gave everything were honored, and the significance of that fateful day was celebrated at the 1940s Era WW II Ball. Attendees were treated to an air show featuring aircraft from the time period followed by a gala red-carpet entrance by the celebrities. Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, elected to drop in from out of the blue with the paratroopers. I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Chicago and My Way rang nostalgic. Ever in possession of his trademark golf club, Bob Hope elicited laughs with his wisecrack humor. Three photo booths were available at no charge for souvenir pictures next to vintage airplanes and antique automobiles. You could relax at the tiki bar or stroll down Victory Street replete with a replica French café. There was a drive-in movie theater reminiscent of a bygone era, sans the temptation to sneak anybody in via the trunk. The ever-glamorous Satin Dollz brought pizzazz to the event while the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Hot Tomatoes kept the packed dance floor swinging with hits like (I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, and Take the “A” Train.

To view past articles and pictures go to www.DaveGibsonImages.com. 

(Originally published in the June 20, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)