D-Day Hero honored at South King County Flag Day Celebration

June 10, 2009

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King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and the Federal Way Soroptimists will host South King County’s Annual Flag Day Celebration on Saturday June 13, 9:30am at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.

This year the event is privileged to honor D-Day hero Huston Riley. Riley more than 60 years ago, risked his life on France’s Normandy shores during the largest amphibious assault of World War II, which is known to many American as the longest day. He was recently featured on NBC with Tom Brokaw.

Riley’s brave fight through the surf and enemy fire was captured through the photographic lens of Robert Capa in the photo entitled “American Soldier landing on Omaha Beach, D-Day, June 1944.” This photo is said to be the inspiration for the opening sequence for the film “Saving Private Ryan” starring Tom Hanks.

“When we honor the flag we are honoring those men and women who have served under it.” said von Reichbauer. “Mr. Riley is a great American hero who will forever be a symbol in the pages of our country’s history. This is an opportunity to thank a man who truly exemplifies freedom and perseverance.”

After World War II, Riley raised his family and started his own business selling sporting goods. He has been active with Mercer Island’s Veterans Affairs Post for decades, selling poppies and playing cards and games with hospital patients.

Riley has only returned once to Normandy Beach since D-Day.