AU Memorial Day Honors D-Day’s 80th Anniversary, Auburn Gold Star Family
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) — Auburn University’s Veterans Resource Center hosted a special Memorial Day ceremony Friday on Cater Lawn. This year’s ceremony marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. 2,501 flags covered Cater Lawn to represent each American servicemember who died on D-Day.
The ceremony featured a series of honors and activities designed to remember and celebrate the brave servicemen and servicewomen who sacrificed their lives for our nation. Highlights of the event included the presentation of colors by the Auburn Naval ROTC, an invocation delivered by Chaplain Gary Riddle of the Alabama Army National Guard, and a speech by Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Newton, U.S. Air Force Retired. The Wreath Laying Ceremony paid special tribute to Lance Corporal William John “Billy” Stelpflug, who served in the United States Marine Corps. Billy was born at the U.S. Air Force Academy on March 13, 1964, to Peggy and William Stelpflug. After graduating from Auburn High School in 1982, Billy enlisted in the Marine Corps and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Infantry Regiment, specializing in the use of the “Dragon” anti-tank weapon.
Memorial Day ceremony honors those laid to rest at Alabama National Cemetery
Billy’s service took him to Beirut, Lebanon, as part of a Multi-National Peacekeeping Force. On October 23, 1983, he was one of 241 Marines and servicemen who lost their lives in a terrorist attack on the Marine headquarters. Among the rubble, a poem Billy wrote, titled “The War King Calls,” was found, characterizing the struggle and intensity of war.
Billy’s sister, Christy Williford, shared fond memories of her brother. “He was very adventurous, loved Alabama fishing and hunting. Right after graduation, he decided on the Marine Corps because that was the toughest branch. He did want to come back and get a degree at Auburn,” she said. Reflecting on the ceremony, she added, “It’s a wonderful way to have a memorial to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Billy’s legacy lives on through yearly remembrances and a Marine ROTC Scholarship at Auburn University supported by his family, the Marine Corps League Billy Stelpflug Detachment, and Beirut Marine Survivors.
Puck Esposito, Director of the Veterans Resource Center at Auburn University, emphasized the importance of the event. “We really need to support that community body, mind, and spirit and also to carry on that legacy and make sure people stay in touch with the military history, the important military history that this university has,” Esposito said. He added, “Recognizing the 80th anniversary of D-Day – and I know if everybody has an idea of what the greatest generation is all about – just needs to read about that one day.”
The Veterans Resource Center at Auburn University provides support and guidance for veteran students and their families through various programs and services designed to help them succeed in their educational and career endeavors.
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