Local D-Day veteran part of presentation
(Wichita, Kansas - Friday, Nov. 4, 2005)A local man will take part in a special tribute to those World War II soldiers who took part in D-Day activities at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
Bennie Jefferies, who lives just north of the Riverdale community, will share his experience with those attending a free program and free screening of the film “Lest They Be Forgotten,” at 6 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 7, at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Wichita.
Jefferies has spent the last several days combing through what he calls his “war room” to assemble a case of military mementoes to display during a pre-event mixer at 5 p.m.
Jefferies flew 31 missions during World War II, a time when the life expectancy was just 11 missions.
He was a tailgunner in the skies over Omaha Beach that historic day in 1944.
World War II and D-Day veteran Paul Ybarra will also attend the event next week. The event is being sponsored by Downing and Lahey Mortuary in Wichita.
Ybarra actually made the landing on Omaha Beach. He spent 44 days days fighting his way to Paris and was just one of two soldiers to survive his squad after Allied bombers mistakenly dropped bombs on Ybarra and the others.
Filmmaker Larry Cappetto will speak during a veterans' memorial program and then screen his powerful WW II documentary, “Lest They Be Forgotten.”
Randy Myers of Downing and Lahey are extending an open invitation to area residents to celebrate the lives of military veterans by attending the program.
“Lest They Be Forgotten” is the first in a series that captures the stores of the brave men who landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of France.
Cappetto's camera camera captures veterans as they tell about their experiences and struggles during a battle that inflicted enormous loss of life.
Myers said the funeral home decided to show the film locally as a tribute to local veterans after hearing about the overwhelming response it received across the country.
Myers learned of Jefferies through his association with the Veteran's Administration facility in Wichita.
“You can read about D-Day and the Normandy invasion in history books, but nothing is as impactful as hearing about it from the people who were there and survived it,” Myers said. “Capetto's recent interview with veterans give us tremendous insights into what these young men endured and what was going through their minds. It reminds us that freedom comes at a price.”
Myers said other D-Day veterans interested in attending the event can contact him at 316-682-4553.
“Their sacrifices literally purchased our country's freedom, and we owe them much honor and thanks,” Myers said.
The Orpheum is located at Second and Broadway in downtown Wichita. There is no charge for admission.
