COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – As the nation continues to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, dozens came out to the South Carolina State Museum on Saturday for a special event marking the pivotal World War II battle. The museum also used the occasion to unveil a new World War II exhibit, highlighting South Carolinians’ contributions during the global conflict.

The 80th anniversary D-Day salute at the South Carolina State Museum Saturday kicked off with an honorary ceremony in the morning, commemorating those who fought in the historic battle on the beaches of Normandy… which turned the tide of World War II…

“It makes you proud to be an American, makes you proud to see how people still remember those terrible days,” said Vietnam Veteran Charlton Blanks.

The museum had special screenings and performances scheduled throughout the day, they also unveiled a new exhibit, which takes visitors back to the 1940s, as many young soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Shared Sacrifice: South Carolina in World War II exhibition gallery highlights stories of military personnel from across South Carolina and their contributions in World War II.

“We were overjoyed to get support from different folks as we got this exhibition together,” Exhibit Curator Dr. Ramon Jackson, said, “I’m just thrilled to be able to be able to share a few stories from South Carolinians and their families who contributed to the freedoms we enjoy today.”

165th Infantry Brigade Commander Col. David Uthlaut was the honorary speaker at Saturday’s commemoration. He reflected on the legacies of those soldiers who came before him.

“As I’ve thought about other conflicts, I try to put myself in the shoes of the individuals who were there to understand, the fears, the senses that they were experiencing and to tell those stories really just to humanize what is often a very heroic action from the individuals that were there.”

The Charleston native feels the World War II exhibit’s grand opening could not have come at a better time, coinciding with the 80th Anniversary Salute.

“As conflicts happen from year to year, they don’t happen in every generation,” Uthlaut said, “Understanding the total cost of war and not glorifying the war itself can glorify and recognize those who fought.”

The exhibit will be on display at the museum for the next year. Many of the artifacts in the Shared Sacrifice exhibit were donated by people across the state.

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