73 years later, Iron Horse Soldiers continue D-Day legacy, commemorate service, sacrifice of WWII

Render Honors. MONTEBOURG, France--Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, pays honor to Ivy Division Soldiers who served during World War II at a memorial dedication in Montebourg, France, June 3, 2017. Gonsalves joined the Deputy of the Manche Phillipe Gosselin and Mayor Jean-Pierre Mauquest to unveil the placard adorning a wall from the ruined 15th century fortress of St. Marcouf-Les-Gougins. The monument was set in the town center in honor of the U.S. Army Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. who liberated Montebourg June 19, 1944, after 15 days of fighting.Led by Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the Soldiers of 8th Inf. Regt. assaulted the northern coast of Normandy's Utah Beach, pushing through to Ste. Maire-Eglise, Montebourg and Cherbourg in 23 days. "The stories of their bravery, of their generoisty, and of their leadership is more relevant now than it has ever been," Gonsalves told the city's hosts Deputy of the Manche and the mayor of Montebourg, distinguised guests, veterans and compatriots. "It is up to us, today's generation, to carry that legacy into the future. Today, together, we pledge to do so and reaffirm our commitment as a free people that tyranny must be met with resolve, and that liberty is always the achievement of courage," said Gonsalves. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams, MCE Public Affairs, 4th Inf. Div.)