SOUTH DEERFIELD — Holyoke native James Burke stormed the beaches of Normandy with his Army brethren as part of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
His niece, Katie Ross of Whately, will honor his memory by having his name, rank, and branch of service on a bib she will wear in Sunday’s veterans walk organized by her husband, Jim Ross, a military veteran in his own right.
The third annual 3.2-kilometer walk, sponsored by VFW Post 3295, steps off at noon from the South County Senior Center at 67 North Main St. and goes through the center of South Deerfield. Jim Ross said it takes about a half-hour. He said the event averages 50 to 60 walkers, though the number was lower last year due to brutally cold weather. It is free to participate, though a donation bucket will be made available. Post 3295 represents Sunderland, Deerfield and Whately in military burials and events in the region.
“It’s a nice gesture,” Jim Ross said about the walk, adding that participants can walk in honor of any veteran, even themselves.
He explained he has been involved with Post 3295 for about 10 years, and he got the idea for the walk a few years ago after taking part in one for a different cause with his daughter in Boston. He said snacks are available for participants, whom the post interview to find out for whom they are walking. Ross said people have fascinating family stories, noting a specific case last year of a little girl walking for an aunt stationed in Afghanistan.
Katie Ross said it can take years for veterans’ war stories to manifest. She and her husband said her uncle never revealed his role in D-Day until many years after the war.
“That’s how hard it was for him,” Jim Ross said.
Katie Ross said it is important to hear and document these stories so veterans do not take them as secrets to their graves.
Jim Ross explained he was in the Air Force from 1964 to 1970 and attained the technical sergeant rank. His final duty assignment was South Korea. He joined Post 3295 to spend time around other former service members.
“I like hanging around the guys,” he said.
Katie Ross said the post has been wonderful for her husband, offering a place for veterans to meet monthly and talk about what they’ve been through.
“It’s really something,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing they have down there.”
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 258.