CARBONDALE, Pa. — A flag stands tall and proud in Carbondale over the home of Jim Vitovsky. Inside, that same pride fills every corner. It all stems from the memories of his father.
Jim's father, Joseph Vitovsky, and his uncle, Andrew Krastek of Mayfield, were drafted into the U.S. Army's 29th Infantry Division in 1942. As World War II raged on, his father was sent overseas as they were preparing for a secret operation now known as D-Day.
"They were told that they were maybe going to war. They were never told the date," Vitovsky said.
The two landed on Omaha Beach. His uncle landed on June 7, but Vitovsky never found out when his father landed as he didn't speak much of his service in the infantry.
"Putting the shells in the guns, getting the guns, and shooting the shells at the German position. Now, my uncle was a sergeant. He may have led some men."
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings when troops stormed the beaches of Normandy.
This year may be the last major D-Day anniversary with living veterans, which is why those stories need to stay alive through the help of others.
Reminders of his family's service can be found throughout the city of Carbondale—in the parks, on the statues, and through those they served with.
"He led 50 men from the 50 men from the 15th regiment of the 29th Division on Omaha Beach that day in the second wave," Vitovsky said, reading from a public monument in Carbondale.
Vitovsky stands proud to keep alive the stories of our country's greatest generation.
"If it wasn't for them and those willing young kids, 18 to 20 that enlisted, we wouldn't have the freedom we have today."