JZ
Junhua "Michael" Zhu
  • Class of 2015
  • Diamond Bar

Junhua "Michael" Zhu Traveling to Normandy for 70th Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration

2014 May 20

A select group of Army and Navy Academy Cadets will help commemorate the beginning of one of the most important military campaigns in modern history when they travel to Normandy, France this June to take part in the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

The Academy is the only school from California invited to send a contingent of 31 Cadets and leaders by the D-Day Anniversary Parade Committee and Musical Salute, an organization working with Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first French village to be liberated by American troops after the Allied invasion began June 6, 1944. Cadets will participate in a parade through the historic village on June 6.

"This officially recognized event will feature America's outstanding performance ensemble units, JROTC units, veteran groups and military units in an unforgettable and historic tribute," said Joel Biggs, the event chairman.

"What a tremendous honor for the Academy and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who will be participating," said retired Army Maj. Gen. Art Bartell, the Academy's president. "It is something of which we all can be very proud."

Junhua "Michael" Zhu of Diamond Bar will be traveling to Normandy for this historic opportunity. Participating Cadets were selected based on academics, leadership, and other standards the Academy emphasizes in educating middle and high school boys.

The Academy has received several major recognitions for excellence over the years. Last year, the 300-plus cadet corps achieved a 99.7 percent grade during the annual Cadet Formal Inspection conducted by the U.S. Army Cadet Command. Except on one occasion, the Academy has achieved the Honor Unit with Distinction level in the annual inspections every year since 1971.