On this 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings on the shores of Normandy, a special thank you in Manatee County.

On Friday, dozens of World War II veterans gathered together for a luncheon in their honor.

The Anna Maria Oyster Bar, hosted the event at their Landside restaurant, at 6906 14th St. West, Bradenton.

John Horne, one of the owners, came up with the idea about a month ago.

“I wanted to hear some stories about D-Day,” he said. “My uncle landed on D plus 4 and he’s been very remiss to tell stories, so I thought maybe if we’d get a huge group together, we’d hear stories.”

Horne invited his Uncle Louie Senn from Clemson, South Carolina, and spread the word to veterans groups. He said he thought only 12 to 20 would come.

To his surprise, 84 WWII veterans showed up to the luncheon. Horne was thrilled.

“They were there firsthand and they’re the ones that know the true story,” he said. “Here’s a perfect chance to get their stories.”

On June 6, 1944, Allied troops landed on the shores of Normandy with more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft to support the D-Day Invasion.

More than 9,000 allied soldiers were killed or wounded. Men who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom.

“I lost a lot of friends and it was just not very pleasant,” said Bob Schweiger, 93.

Schweiger was one of the first groups to land on the beach on D-Day. Robert Grim, 92, who was in the Air Force, said it was nice to get together to talk to about the experience. He said everyone he served with, is no longer here.

“I have outlived everybody on my crew, they’re all gone,” said Grim.

The men and women who attended the luncheon shared stories about their experiences. All were in good spirits and were happy to be there.

Tom Bozza, was one of the dozens who attended. He is the sailor who was next in line to kiss the nurse in that infamous cover picture from LIFE magazine in 1945.

Barbara DeRoseau, 90, was also there. She worked on airplanes and joined the Navy while her husband fought in the war. She said the luncheon was very meaningful.

“To get this recognition now, this late in our lives, I think it’s wonderful,” said DeRoseau.