Most of us weren't even alive when WWII ended.One veteran knows exactly where he was...aboard a tank in the Czech Republic as the town of Pilsen was being liberated. Benjamin Griffin has the story.

The partnership between the United States and the Czech Republic has endured for years. Both countries honor the past and work together towards the future. Benjamin Griffin has the story.

It’s been almost seven decades since U.S. and allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, during WWII. As age catches up with the veterans of that era we’re able to hear fewer and fewer of their accounts first-hand. In this story we hear from the veterans of that conflict and what visiting Normandy means for a younger generations of service members.

The partnership between the United States and the Czech Republic has endured for years. Both countries honor the past and work together towards the future. Benjamin Griffin has the story.

When Eugene Cook jumped into Normandy during the predawn hours of June 6, 1944, he landed several miles from his intended drop zone.

Air Force reservists and other U.S. and allied military members paid their respects to the people of this small French village June 1 as part of a number of ceremonies recognizing the 68th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion.

On the morning of June 5, 1944, U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious military operation in history. On his orders, 6,000 landing craft, ships and other vessels carrying 176,000 troops began to leave England for the trip to France. That night, 822 aircraft filled with parachutists headed for drop zones in Normandy. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion.

To commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day U.S. Special Operation Forces conducted a military free fall nearby one of Normandy’s most historic attractions.

As American service members prepare for events to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the D-Day landing, there are many opportunities to better understand the legacy of valor that stems from the hedgerows and beaches of Normandy.

Army Reserve paratroopers train with Reserve paratroopers for the 4th Parachute Regiment in the United Kingdom May 29,2012. Both American and British Soldiers were preparing for their airborne operation in Normandy on June 3, 2012 to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the D-Day.

SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE, France -- As American service members prepare for events to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the D-Day landing, there are many opportunities to better understand the legacy of valor that stems from the hedgerows and beaches of Normandy. Hundreds of spectators turned out for fireworks in the town's main square on Saturday, June 3. A replica of Pvt. John Steele hangs by a parachute from the tower. Some of the fiercest fighting of the D-Day invasion of the invasion took place nearby.

Fleet Master Chief Roy M. Maddocks Jr., joined Special Operations Command Europe troops for a High-Altitude Low-Opening demonstration at Mont Saint Michel in France to commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day. U.S. military special operations troops stationed in Europe, plus German, French and Russian troops took part.

Special Operations Command Europe troops talks about the High-Altitude Low-Opening demonstration at Mont Saint Michel in France to commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day. U.S. military special operations troops stationed in Europe, plus German, French and Russian troops took part.

U.S., German, French, Dutch and British troops commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day during the events held in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, June 3, 2012.

U.S., German, French, Dutch and British troops commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day during the events held in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, June 3, 2012.

To commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day U.S. Special Operation Forces conducted a military free fall nearby one of Normandy’s most historic attractions.

Thousands of people visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery every year. SrA Evan Mills takes us to the cemetery to meet one woman who’s visiting for a very personal reason.

When a service member dies overseas it’s tradition to bring the body back to the home front. But, during WWII that wasn’t always an option. Many troops are laid to rest in American cemeteries throughout Europe. SGT Joshua Blair tells us how service members are cared for here at the American cemetery in Margraten, Natherlands.

Several American service members have paid the ultimate sacrifice...many being laid to rest in American cemeteries throughout Europe. A1C Benjamin Landon tells us about one cemetery that remembers these fallen heroes.

Albert Lochra, an 86-year-old World War II and 100th Bomb Group veteran, was part of the 100th BG reunion visit to RAF Mildenhall May 7 and 8 - on the 67th anniversary of V-E Day.

Jan. 28, 2012 marks U.S. Air Forces in Europe's 70th birthday. Throughout the year USAFE and Team Ramstein will honor its mission, people and heritage by reminding everyone of USAFE's accomplishments - then and now - from the Second World War, through the Cold War, and in today's expeditionary era.

On this edition of the AFN Europe Report: We're on location in Luxeuil Les Bains, France, where the locals pull out all the stops for American veterans who liberated the city 67 years ago. We'll hear stories from the men of our greatest generation. This and more on the AFN Europe Report.

I'll admit I've never been big on history, but there's something surreal about visiting the tiny villages our American Soldiers helped liberate 67 years ago. After meeting several D-Day veterans, walking on the beaches where thousands fought and died, and seeing the steep cliffs where they encountered enemy fire made history real for me. It's no longer just a documentary or war movie on television.

Last year my grandfather died on the anniversary of D-Day. Pop was never in the military, but his older brother Chester, was and he fought on the fields of France. He’s buried in Brittany and it is him who I choose to honor in this Memorial Day blog.

I want to give voice to the men and women who have given their lives for this nation.