FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 173rd Airborne Brigade visited Notre Dame Primary School in Carentan, France. During D-Day events in early June, soldiers were able to engage with dozens of local students as part of annual outreach efforts and take part in a local parade.
Carentan is a rural town with around 6,000 people near the north-eastern base of the French Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. This French city is also the sister city of Hopkinsville, and several visits have been facilitated between representatives over the past few years.
During the June 2 visit, Screaming Eagles and Sky Soldiers were welcomed by 60 kids, ages nine and ten who are in fourth and fifth grade, according to a news release from the U.S. Army. The goal of the visit is to connect local young people with U.S. service members to help keep history alive.
A statement from 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) says that while soldiers were in Carentan, they also marched in a parade with surviving World War II veterans during events commemorating the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. 101st Airborne Division veteran, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. George Mullins, who is 101-year-old was also able to attend.
The bond between Carentan and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is an important piece of history for both entities. On June 6, 1944, the 101st Airborne Division was one of the key elements to parachute behind enemy lines and secure key terrain to enable the Allied landing forces on the Normandy beaches. Over several days the division fought to liberate the city of Carentan from German occupation.
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