Video

Video by Sgt. Mariah Gonzalez

173rd Paratrooper's Son Is Baptized on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

173rd Airborne Brigade

June 8, 2024 | 1:55

This video production features Command Sgt. Maj. Frank E. Batts, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion command sergeant major, and his family as Capt. Bert Snyder, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion chaplain, conducts the baptism of his son, June 8, 2024, Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. U.S. military personnel and equipment commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, widely known as D-Day. Highlighting the Department of Defense's continued commitment to honor the historic significance of D-Day and the sacrifices made, this event connects the strength of the alliance and dedicated resolve required during WWII to NATO, which strengthens the unity today. Participating service members from approximately 25 units are taking part in approximately 120 commemorative events from May 30 to June 10, from approximately 40 French communities throughout the Normandy region -- including a U.S.-hosted ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery on June 6, and a commemorative airborne operation on June 9. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez)