Normandy: Sacrifice For Freedom 2011

The Albert Small Teacher and Student Institute

Coventry High School

United States History Program

Mr. Albert H. Small, the sponsor of the Normandy Sacrifice for Freedom Institute 2011, is dedicated to ensuring the legacy of those who gave us the freedom we enjoy today. Upon meeting Mr. Small at the opening dinner at Fort McNair, I thanked him for sponsoring the institute and for the opportunity to participate. He responded that it was a long time dream of his to do so and asked that I share the story of the soldiers (from Rhode Island) that I researched and my experiences from the trip with others. In keeping my promise to Mr. Small, this website is dedicated to Henry S. Golas from Central Falls, Rhode Island, Michael Macera from Johnston, Rhode Island, and to all the brave men who fought on the beaches and battlefields of Normandy during World War II.

National History Day participants lay wreath at Arlington

“When we’re in Normandy, I think it will give us more of a personal connection because we’ve really gotten to do a lot of research about these Soldiers, and we really have been able to connect with them in ways that I don’t think any of us ever thought that we would be able to."

Website researched by

Amanda Hoskins student Coventry High School Rhode Island

Lisa Johansen teacher Coventry High School Rhode Island

Mike Kern research assistant George Washington University, Washington D.C.