RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The North Carolina General Assembly recognized the 75th anniversary of the Normandy invasion with a ceremony in Raleigh.
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World War II veterans were special guests at the event. Politicians and local leaders also attended.
Before the official ceremony, the veterans were given a chance to speak at the General Assembly.
"Freedom is but one generation away from extinction. We don't pass it on to our children through our bloodstream. It must be protected, fought for and taught in the schools and in the home. Otherwise, we don't have freedom," one veteran said.
During the ceremony, the names of the 39 North Carolinians who sacrificed their lives on June 6, 1944, will be read aloud.
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There will also be a wreath laying, rifle salute and a bugler playing "Taps."