Lt. Gen. Rhett Anthony Hernandez gave an amazing presentation on Monday at the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company.

Most times the Palmerton Area Historical Society holds presentations at the Palmerton Library, but the society felt this one would have more people show than the library can hold.

That was definitely the case, as over 100 people attended.

Hernandez is a retired officer in the United States Army, a Palmerton native and a graduate of Palmerton Area Class of 1971.

The topic for the evening was about D-Day, World War II and the Palmerton contributions and sacrifices.

D-Day, officially known as Operation Overlord, refers to the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, during World War II. The name is a military term used to designate the day a military operation is to begin. D-Day marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe and is considered a turning point in the war.

As Hernandez and his wife, Pat, were preparing for their trip last year to visit Normandy and the graves of the Palmerton servicemen still there, he went to the Palmerton Area Historical Society to do some research. Marianne Smelas and Stephen Goidich helped him start his journey by suggesting some reading materials. Through the Zinc Company magazines, he learned all the ways the Zinc Company and its workers contributed to the war effort. Plus, also when the men headed to war the women stepped up to take their places to keep the industry going.

Many residents donated time, items and talents to support the war effort. Rhett mentioned that what shocked him the most is that growing up in town among many of the people who served he knew very little about the war and the Palmerton involvement.

While in Normandy he wanted to visit the graves of the Palmerton servicemen, and place a military coin and Palmerton soil at each grave to show respect.

While visiting the Normandy American Cemetery and the Brittany American Cemetery he noticed at the graves a small American flag as well as a small French flag.

There was a French family at one of the graves, so he asked the meaning.

French families can opt to take care of an American soldier’s grave, and they do that to thank them for all they did during the war and for paying the ultimate price to help France.

Not all soldiers made it home, and some were never found.

A local name that many know is Mlkvy; most will think of Bill and Bob. However, they had an older brother Milton, who was a Merchant Marine, and he was lost at sea.

So many people were affected by the action of war, and many were not openly talked about after World War II. Some were prisoners of war, or were wounded, or died defending, or never made it back to home soil.

His choice to tie in the Palmerton connection made the impact even stronger for all who sat in the room. After the talk had ended, many said they could have listened for hours.

Others started telling family stories.

The crowd was filled with people of all ages and the time passed so quickly.

For those who would like to see this presentation, please keep an eye on the Palmerton Area Historical Society’s YouTube channel. It will be posted as soon as possible.

Martin Wambold is kind enough to donate his time to provide the society this opportunity.

The website for the link is www.palmertonhistorical.org.