WE RARELY wake up asking, “How will I change the world today?” When we face the blare of an alarm, most of us instinctively reach for the snooze button, begrudgingly start our day, and confront the daunting to-do list on our phones. But for our nation’s World War II heroes, there was no option to delay their mission — they had to rise and fight.
Eighty years ago, on D-Day, brave soldiers traveled to Normandy, France, uncertain if they would ever return to the comfort of their beds or the simple routines of daily life. Sometimes, a riveting story stirs our souls and reminds us of the heroes who walk among us. Their bravery is often unspoken, and their sacrifices are rarely acknowledged. This is one such story — one that takes us across oceans, through time, and into the hearts of those who gave everything for the freedom we enjoy today.
Janice Lynn Bass, a Vanderbilt University School of Nursing graduate, has spent decades serving her community as a nurse practitioner. But her life forever changed after she accompanied World War II veterans to Normandy for the 79th anniversary of D-Day. Among the many invitations she’s received in the past, this one felt deeply personal.
“Going to where such horrendous events took place, learning of the things that happened in the places where my grandfather’s unit served — I wish I could go back in time and hug him,” she said. “I was in my 20s when he died. I never heard him talk about his service in the war.”
With her own family’s history of military service and her connection to the Quilts of Valor Foundation — a group that wraps veterans in quilts of healing and comfort – saying “no” wasn’t an option. She spent two months immersing herself in history to understand what the men she would accompany had endured. This intense preparation was her way of honoring the veterans. Among them were men like Ray Wallace, a paratrooper who jumped on D-Day, was captured, and spent months as a prisoner of war before being sent back to fight. Or Otis Branon, who operated a Higgins boat, ferrying soldiers to shore under the constant fear that none would survive the journey.
These weren’t mere names in a history book — they were living, breathing heroes whose stories Bass would soon come to know intimately. The trip became even more sentimental when Bass’ son, an active-duty soldier, joined as a volunteer, filling in for another participant who had to cancel at the last minute.
“Having my son there with me added so much joy to my heart,” Bass recalled. “He helped take great care of our volunteers, soldiers, and their family members.”
Bass learned a lot from this life-changing experience.
“I learned so much European and American history that I admit just hadn’t stuck with me when I’d been taught it during school. I was truly amazed at the hardships and bravery that our World War II veterans endured.”
The stories that emerged from this journey were as heartwarming as they were heartbreaking. Bass recalled visiting a village where two American planes crash-landed during the war. Each year, the village holds a ceremony to honor the soldiers who lost their lives, reading off each name in a moving tribute.
“One lady I met there told me that she had never met a World War II veteran. I introduced her to ‘Rondo,’ a veteran from Montana, and she cried, so overcome to meet him.”
When Bass saw the reverence the people of Normandy had for American soldiers, it nearly brought tears to her eyes.
“The schoolchildren craved speaking with our veterans. They took selfies, got autographs, and treated them with such love and respect. They thanked our veterans repeatedly for their freedom. Everyone we met in Normandy treated our veterans as if they were rock stars. In their eyes and my own, they were better than rock stars. They were freedom-givers.”
The impact of this journey was not lost on Bass, who found herself reflecting on the freedoms we often take for granted, leading her to attend the 80th anniversary in Normandy as well.
“Volunteering with Honoring Veteran Legacies and partnering with Veterans Back to Normandy has made me appreciate my own freedom so much more,” she said.
The veterans found healing in returning to the places they had once fought so bravely. For many, it was a chance to make peace with their past and witness firsthand the gratitude of those they had helped liberate.
“The World War II veterans who are visiting Normandy now are at a different place in life, at or nearing a century old. Seeing the effects of what they did, feeling the blatant gratitude Normandy showers upon them all these years later, brings a sense of peace.”
We are surrounded by heroes — men and women who have given so much for our country yet ask for so little in return. Bass’ advice to us all is to connect with our local veterans.
“I challenge each of you to talk to a veteran, to show up at events sponsored by or honoring our veterans, to actively seek out and thank the men and women who were willing to lay down their lives if need be so that our flag can continue to fly high.”
Bass plans to continue her volunteer work and accompany more veterans on their return to Normandy.
“As long as I’m wanted and needed, I’ll continue to make the annual trip to Normandy. I’ve fallen in love with hundred-year-old men, and it’s been the greatest honor of my life.”
It is up to us to listen, to learn, and to ensure that our veterans’ sacrifices are never forgotten. GN
