NORMANDY, France – Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher S. Smoak recently traveled to now-silenced battlefields with names like Omaha Beach and Utah Beach to observe the 65th Commemoration of D-Day.

He was there to honor those who were a part of the “greatest generation” who served in one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles in world history.

Smoak, a military policeman, and more than 1,000 service members from posts and bases throughout Europe and the U.S. converged on the historic Normandy area to honor those who served, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice, on June 6, 1944.

Week-long ceremonies took place throughout the region in such historic places as St. Mere Eglise and small villages in the area that were vital to the success of the allies’ push into Europe against Nazi Germany.

President Obama met with leaders from Great Britain, France and Canada at a special ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Celebrations at small towns throughout Normandy were capped by a parachute demonstration from airborne paratroopers representing many of the units involved with the D-Day operations.

“I coordinated and managed more than 28 ceremonies, and all logistical support for the ceremonies,” Smoak said.

For Smoak, it was hard to imagine that the tranquil farming villages and pristine beaches were once the scene of carnage and destruction that took the lives of more than 4,000 Americans in just one day.

“Seeing the history and getting a first-hand view of the historical sites gives you a better perspective of what the soldiers during D-Day had to endure,” Smoak said.

Today, the 360 miles of coastline that makes up Normandy is mostly lush farmland, bustling market towns and historic landmarks that commemorate important battles that took place more than six decades ago. The residents of the area have never forgotten the sacrifices of the Americans who fought here and embrace today’s soldiers just as heartily as those who liberated them.

“Normandy is very peaceful and friendly. The people are still very appreciative of the part the United States played in liberating France,” Smoak said.

Smoak, the son of Stephen O. and Alison G. Smoak of Orangeburg, is normally stationed in Mannheim, Germany, with Headquarters Detachment, 95th Military Police Battalion, where he works as a military policeman.

He has served in the Army for more than 17 years and has had two deployments.

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