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Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Grossman was only 20-years-old when his platoon landed on the beaches of Normandy in 1944 -- a day he will never forget.

"I had 50 men to take with me as a platoon leader and I later became company commander and I went all the way through into Germany. And fortunately I was never wounded but I was wounded other ways," said Grossman.

Setting aside those emotional scars, Grossman joined nine other World War II veterans at a ceremony in Central Park to receive the French Jubilee of Liberty Medal. The medal is given to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy. More than 150,000 allied troops, about half of them Americans, took part in the Allied invasion that was a turning point in driving the Nazis out of France. About 10,000 allies were killed.

"It's wonderful to be honored, it's a great thing. Someone should remember that we did these things but I wouldn't do it again," said WWII veteran Thomas Joseph Buquicchio.

After a number of speeches, a wreath was laid to remember those who were killed, followed by a lone trumpeter playing taps. For Edward Hinz, who wrote a book about his experiences in the war, it was an emotional day.

"They brought out the fact that everybody of every race, creed, and religion should live together in this country," said Hinz.

The honorees were not the only ones who were touched by the ceremony. Family members who came to show support say the day brought out an array of emotions.

"It's very good. Very nice. We were almost in tears coming over and to remember," said Rose Buquicchio, Thomas' wife.

As the veterans were being remembered, Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Grossman reminded others to think about the troops fighting today.

"These guys are the best," said Grossman.