NORMANDY, France - Senior leaders often call the son of a Summerville couple, and those who serve with him, a part of the next "greatest generation."
Army Sgt. Robert C. Jones III, son of Robert C. Jones Jr. and Kathy Jones of Travelers Rest Blvd., recently traveled to now-silenced battlefields with names like Omaha and Utah Beaches to observe the 65th Commemoration of D-Day.
Service members were there to honor those who were a part of that "greatest generation" who served in one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles in world history.
Jones, a military policeman, and more than 1,000 service members from posts and bases throughout Europe and the U.S., converged on the historic Normandy area to honor those who served, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice, on June 6, 1944.
Week-long ceremonies took place throughout the region in such historic places as St. Mere Eglise, Omaha and Utah Beaches and small villages in the area that were vital to the success of the allies push into Europe against Nazi Germany.
President Barack Obama met with leaders from Great Britain, France and Canada at a special ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.  Celebrations at small towns throughout Normandy were capped by a parachute demonstration from airborne paratroopers representing many of the units involved with the D-Day operations.
"My role in the ceremony was to provide transportation assistance to the veterans who were in attendance," said Jones, a 2003 graduate of Fort Dorchester High School, North Charleston.
For Jones, it was hard to imagine that the tranquil farming villages and pristine beaches were once the scene of carnage and destruction that took the lives of more than 4,000 Americans in just one day.
"For me, the area is awe-inspiring.  When you walk along the beach and look up at the hilltops, you can see some of the old bunkers, and you get a feel for what the soldiers, sailors, and Marines were facing.  It takes a special person to be able to face and accept the task they were given, but they did so, willingly.  Up around Pointe du Hoc, you see the massive amount of obstacles the rangers faced, and it really gives you a feeling of respect, gratitude, and honor," said Jones.  
Today, the 360 miles of coastline that makes up Normandy is mostly lush farmland, bustling market towns and historic landmarks that commemorate important battles that took place more than six decades ago.  The residents of the area have never forgotten the sacrifices of the Americans who fought here and embrace today's soldiers just as heartily as those who liberated them.
"The area reminds me of Myrtle Beach or Folly Beach, S.C.  The combination of beach town and historic city make an awesome atmosphere.  The people treat you like celebrities.  Everywhere you go, people want to shake your hand and take pictures with you. Little kids wave at you, and they get so excited when you wave back," said Jones.
Jones is normally stationed in Bamberg, Germany, with the 630th Military Police Company, where he works as a military policeman.  He has served in the Army for almost three years, but has not yet deployed.