2019 marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied forces’ invasion of Nazi occupied France during World War II.

To commemorate the occasion, several Chapel Hill students and teachers are working to raise money to take two World War II veterans to Normandy in June.

Chapel Hill High School sophomore Elena Lowinger says that as a Jewish girl this project has a particular importance to her.

“I think it’s really important that their stories are told, even when they pass on,” says Lowing. “It’s just so important to us that everyone really knows the sacrifices and everything they went through so that people they didn’t even know would be free.”

Lowing and East Chapel Hill High sophomore Miles Charles met at Smith Middle School, where the idea for the project started with the help of their Social Studies teacher Tony Carter.

Charles says he also has a special connection with the liberation of France since his grandfather lived in Algeria at the time.

“It’s an honor to take these veterans to the 75th commemoration” says Charles. “We want the Chapel Hill community know and want them to feel that it is important to honor these veterans and that they did fight for what we have today.”

A fundraising event called D-Day and “The Greatest Generation” is being held on Saturday, February 2, at the NC Botanical Garden which will feature a silent auction.

Carter says while the event is meant to raise money to send veterans to the commemoration, they also hope to honor all veterans.

“Yes, our biggest thing is to take veterans to Normandy, but these kids and the teachers have a heart for honoring veterans of every war and time they’ve served for the United States,” says Carter.

The fundraiser is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You can hear the full interview here.

Related Stories
‹
'We Need Help': Orange County Flood Victims Beginning to Pick Up the Pieces
Orange County residents whose homes were flooded during Sunday's storm shared their emotions and what help they need in the aftermath.
Railroad Work to Close Homestead Road in Chapel Hill, Allowing Sidewalk Work to Be Finished
Chapel Hill alerted residents that Homestead Road will be closed between Weaver Dairy Road Extension and Seawell School Road next week.
Chapel Hill Fire: 4 Injured in Single-Vehicle Crash that Closed Road
A fiery single-vehicle crash led to several trips to the hospital and a road closure late Friday night, according to the Chapel Hill Fire Department. Emergency services responded to calls of a crash shortly after 9:30 p.m. and sent out a social media alert after 10 p.m. about the closure of Seawell School Road near […]
Threat Made Against Chapel Hill High School
A “noticeable” police presence will be on hand Tuesday at Chapel Hill High School, Smith Middle School and Seawell Elementary School after a threat was made against the high school. A message was sent parents of students at the three schools – which are all located next to each other on Seawell School Road – […]
Former Educator and Chapel Hill Alderman R.D. Smith Passes Away
Former Chapel Hill Board of Aldermen member and local educator R.D. Smith has passed away. Smith served as a teacher and assistant principal in the Chapel Hill – Carrboro City School System for more than 30 years, in addition to his more than 20 years of service on the municipal board. Smith Middle School is […]
Local Government Meetings: October 19-23, 2026
This week in local government: affordable housing proposals on Rogers Road and Old Lystra Road, and a public hearing on Chapel Hill's LUMO.
The Morning News: Faith Hedgepeth Trial, Early Voting, UNC Football
In today's news: more DNA evidence in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial, and extremely high turnout on the first day of early voting.
Chapel Hill: Metro Mayors Recap, Parks and Rec Master Plan, Community Recognition
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, October, 15. She recapped her time with the Metro Mayor's Coalition in Asheville last week. She also recounted the most recent Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting which included an update on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and more. She also recognized Karen Michael, this year's recipient of the W. Cal Horton Service Award, and more.
The Morning News: Election Approaching, Stolen Car Crashing - New Cradle Opening?
Get-out-the-vote efforts are underway for the 2026 election - including a concert at the site Cat's Cradle is developing as a third venue.
Police Investigating Car Crash Into Chapel Hill House; No Injuries Reported
Chapel Hill Police seeking a driver as part of an investigation into a car crash into a house in the Northside neighborhood overnight.
›