Fort Ritchie in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
D-Day Anniversary
Now, 40 years later, we are commemorating this historic turning point with the planting of a tree at Fort Richie. It is a fitting place as many of the members of the 29th Infantry Division trained here before the division was activated and sent to Europe where they were among the first to land at Normandy.
The tree selected for today's ceremony is fitting because of its strength and independence. The soil used contains amounts of soil from the beaches and cliffs of Normandy. This further symbolizes the fact that the success of the invasion was a joining of the Armed Forces of two great continents.
With this tree as a memorial, the sacrifices made forty years ago will be long remembered. It will be a tangible symbol of our heritage.
Erected 1994.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is June 2008.
Location. 39° 42.427′ N, 77° 29.605′ W. Marker is in Fort Ritchie, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Castle Drive, on the left when traveling north. Located next to the parade field on Fort Ritchie. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cascade MD 21719, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. WW II Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert F. Barrick Memorial Library (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Military Intelligence Training Center (about 400 feet away); The Ice Lakes (approx. 0.2 miles away); War Returns to South Mountain (approx. 1.1 miles away); Old Trolley Line (approx. 1.2 miles away in Pennsylvania); Dr. Henry Harbaugh (approx. 2.1 miles away in Pennsylvania); Monterey Academy (approx. 2.2 miles away in Pennsylvania). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Ritchie.
More about this marker. The fort is no longer an active military installation, and was turned over for private development.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 831 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on April 25, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 25, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.