Clovis man commemorates D-Day anniversary

PHOTO: Army Sgt. Eric S. Detrick, a combat medic, was involved with the recent 65th Commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France. He was one of more than 1,000 service members from bases throughout Europe and the U.S. who helped support the week-long celebrations. (Photo by AF Master Sgt. Cecilio
Ricardo)

By Rich Lamance
NORMANDY, France – Senior leaders often call the son of a Clovis woman, and those who serve with him, a part of the next “greatest generation.” Army Sgt. Eric S. Detrick, son of Leslie Marquez of Dovewood Ave., Clovis, recently traveled to now silenced battlefields with names like Omaha and Utah Beaches to observe the 65th Commemoration of D-Day. They were there to honor those who were a part of that “greatest generation” who served in one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles in world history.

Detrick, a combat medic, 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, Omaha and Utah Beaches 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 am a senior medic who provided medical coverage throughout my time in Normandy for the D-Day anniversary ceremonies,” said Detrick. “We patrolled on foot over the drop zone and treated any soldiers with injuries.”
For Detrick, 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.
“The country looked beautiful. The town is very small, but seemed extremely welcoming. Just knowing that 65 years ago, fellow paratroopers jumped in there blew me away. It was very surreal,” said Detrick.
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.
“Everything was so green there. It’s a very clean-looking area. The buildings were very old-looking, with a lot of history. The food was different, but very good,” said Detrick.
Detrick is normally stationed in Bamberg, Germany, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, where he works as a combat medic. He has served in the Army for six years and has one deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.