D-Day Veterans - 70 Years Later

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D-Day Veterans - 70 Years Later
The Washington Post
Friday, June 6, 2014

Art Direction: Sonya Doctorian
Photographer: Willis Bretz
Text: Julie Zauzmer

I'm a total history nerd. When I realized the 70th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion was approaching, I sought out WWII veterans who had been part of that historic day. It was something that I personally wanted to do as a way to say thank you. After meeting them, I sat with them and listened to their stories from the war. Incredible doesn't even begin to describe it.

I kept Sonya at The Washington Post updated on my progress throughout the project. Eventually, it was decided that they would run the portraits on the front page of the Metro section as part of their local coverage of the anniversary.

Read more about these veterans on my blog here: http://www.willisbretz.com/blog/d-day-veteran-portraits-for-the-washington-post

Since the anniversary has passed, I have continued working on this personal project. I have also expanded it to any veteran from WWII like below with plans to later include veterans from more recent wars.