Remembrance

Date of death: August 1st, 1944 

Rank at the time of death: Pvt 

“The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial honouring U.S. soldiers who died on European soil in World War II, Colleville-sur-Mer, France.”

Awards

Awards, medals and their definitions:  

  • Purple Heart – awarded to service members who died in action against or as a result of a hostile enemy. (posthumous) 
  • Combat Infantry Badge – awarded to any infantry or special forces members who actively engaged in ground combat. 
  • American Campaign Medal – awarded to recognize military members who performed military service in the American Theatre of Operations during WWII. 
  • World War II Victory Medal – awarded to all personnel who served during WWII. (posthumous) 

Cemetery Narrative

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, located in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, directly overlooks Omaha Beach, one of the five key landing beaches during D-Day, and also one of the most deadly. This proximity to the beach serves as a physical reminder of the cause of death of many of the over 9,000 soldiers who reside within this burial site. Like most WWII grave and memorial sites, identical white crosses and Stars of David cover the long expanse of the site (172.5 acres), demonstrating the American value of equality central to the war efforts. Blasovich’s grave is specifically located in Plot I, Row 24, Grave 5, meaning he resides on the Southern part of the main burial ground and is closest to the beach.

Names on Walls of the Missing: 1,557 

Headstones: About 9,238 Latin crosses and 149 Stars of David 

Unknown soldiers buried: 304

Normandy American Cemetery Grave

Photo of Peter Blasovich’s gravestone, located in Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. 

Eulogy

Today we honor Peter Blasovich, a soldier who gave his life during World War II.  

 Even though many of us not know much about Peter’s personal life, we do know that he’s served his country during a time of violence, uncertainty, and fear. His sacrifice, that him and many other young men, reminds us that war affects real people with families, futures, and dreams.  

Peter Blasovich reminds us that history is not only just about dates and battles, but also about the real people who have given their lives for something bigger than themselves. Because with soldiers just like him, future generations were able to live with greater freedom and peace.  

Although his life was cut short, he will be remembered not only as a soldier, but as someone who answered the call to serve when his country needed him the most. We  honor his memory and his sacrifice he made for this country.  

Thank you.