Giving back on D-Day: A tribute to the brave soldiers who stormed the beach 80 years ago

On June 6, 2024, Shari Palasti, USAA Insurance Professional, and her husband Frank Grippe, Command Sergeant Major (Ret), will stand on a Normandy beach to pay tribute and salute those that fought on that fateful day in 1944. This year marks the 80th?anniversary of D-Day where land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies landed in Normandy in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history.

Command Sergeant Major Grippe’s, connection to D-Day and the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches has been a driving force in his career. It all began when he was a young, enlisted soldier, attending the D-Day celebrations on the 40th anniversary of the invasion. Engaging with WWII veterans and hearing their stories of courage and dedication left a lasting impact on Grippe, inspiring him to continue his career in the military. That inspiration resulted in 34 years of service, and leadership roles that included multiple CSM positions and serving as CSEL for Centcom in Tampa.

?Throughout his years of service, Grippe embodied the spirit and tenacity of the “Screaming Eagles” 101st Airborne Division, known for their bravery and tenacity during the D-Day landings. As a paratrooper and an Army Ranger, he upheld the legacy of those who came before him, always striving to honor their memory through his actions and leadership. His dedication to his fellow soldiers and commitment to excellence propelled him to the highest enlisted rank.

"Giving back on D-Day is about more than just words – it is about action," says Grippe. "It is about living up to the example of courage and selfless service set by those who came before us and ensuring that their memory lives on through our own dedication to serving others and upholding the values of honor, courage, and commitment."

This week, Shari and Frank have the privilege to attend various memorials, lay wreaths of honor and remembrance, and visit the graves of the fallen to honor the sacrifices of the military efforts to liberate France and ultimately bring peace to Europe. They’ll visit Pointe du Hoc, where the Rangers scaled the cliffs on D Day, and Omaha Beach, and the American cemetery in Normandy.

?"Celebrating D-Day is a reminder of the power of teamwork and the strength that comes from standing together in the face of adversity," says, Grippe. "It's a time to come together as a community, to honor our shared history, and to reaffirm our commitment to serving our country with pride and dedication."

As the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches, Grippe’s journey comes full circle as he and Shari prepare to revisit the same ceremonies that inspired him all those years ago. This time, however, he will not be a young soldier listening to the stories of veterans – he will be the one laying the wreaths and speaking to inspire the next generation of troops. His words will carry the weight of experience and wisdom, a testament to the enduring legacy of those who fought and died on the beaches of Normandy. We will always remember.