On June 5, Bernard L. Marie is holding his 24th annual D-day luncheon at the Holiday Inn, Tanglewood, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of D-day. The luncheon has been held in the past in Indiana (the first one in 1984 with 345 veterans), South and North Carolina, Bedford and Roanoke.

It will be the only event regarding the 65th anniversary of D-day in Roanoke (on June 4 and 5, the events are taking place in Lynchburg at the Liberty University and on June 6 at the memorial in Bedford).

Doors open 11.30 a.m.; Lunch is 12.15 p.m.; Program at 1 p.m.

Marie was 5 years old on June 6, 1944, living in Normandy with his mother and grandparents. His father fled France in 1940 to join the Free French Forces in England. Marie spent 14 hours in the basement of the family house during the invasion.

At the luncheon, about 30 D-day and WW II veterans, including one of the first nurses who came in Normandy on June 7, Bob Slaughter, and several veterans of the 29th and 101st airborne veteran, 238th Combat engineer veterans, Navy veterans and others will make remarks.

A special ceremony will take place after the luncheon. Capt. Bob Kay, D-day veteran of the 4th Division who landed at Utah Beach will receive the French Legion of Honor presented to him by General Maire, head of the French Military Mission in the USA at the French Embassy. Bob Kay lost his left arm on the outskirts of Cherbourg. Bob Slaughter and Evelyne Kolwachuck, who received this highest award given by the Republic of France, will be part of the ceremony.

The Virginia National Guard will present the colors and play the taps for the remembrance of the thousands who gave their life 65 years ago. The Andrew Lewis Middle School band will play the national anthem.

For more information, call 345-2216 or 529-2007.