Glenn Funeral Home celebrates D-Day 75th anniversary with free movie event at Bluegrass Hall of Fame

June 4, 2019 | 3:18 am

Updated June 4, 2019 | 8:13 am

Photo of Tomb Guard Justin Bickett courtesy of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation

Paratroopers descended from the sky and over 150,000 troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, in what would be known as the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. This Thursday will mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the day that would serve as the starting point for the Battle of Normandy, claiming more casualties than any other event in WWII history.

In honor of those who served during World War II and the anniversary of D-Day, Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory will be hosting a free movie event on Thursday, June 6, at 6 p.m. at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The film “The Unknowns” will highlight the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and chronicle the training of those who have been entrusted to protect it.

Special guest, Justin Bickett, who served at the Tomb from 2004-2007, will be in attendance at the event. Bickett, a Lousiville, Ky. native who currently serves with the Louisville Metro Police Department, was the 533rd person to be awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge.

According to the Louisville Metro Police Foundation (LMPF), Bickett completed 1002 guard postings and conducted 930 guard changes during his 38 months of service and qualified for a special achievement award for the work he accomplished while serving as a Tomb Sentinel.

“I will never forget the veterans that I met while serving at the tomb who fought for our country at different times in our nation’s history,” Bickett said, in a post by the LMPF. “Although I was introduced, and even gave tours of, the quarters to 4-star Generals and other high ranking officials, those memories pale in comparison to the memories of the veterans that I had the privilege of shaking their hands and thanking them for their service.”

United State Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran Sheriff Keith Cain, who is known for his work with Honor Flight and the veteran community in Owensboro, will be giving the introduction prior to the film Thursday evening.

“It’s an honor to be asked to do it and I’m happy to be able to do so. It’s always humbling to pay homage to the veterans, particularly on the 75th anniversary of D-Day,” Cain said. “Through my work with the Honor Flight, I have had the opportunity to spend time with several WWII veterans over the years, including some who experienced D-Day. To imagine the horror they endured there — it’s just unexplainable.”

This event is free and open to the public. All WWII Veterans are invited to attend the film presentation Thursday evening where they will be given special recognition for their service.

June 4, 2019 | 3:18 am

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