(MSC News)--A Kansas observance of the 80th anniversary of D-Day was held Thursday in Abilene, the location of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

It was there that Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined veterans of World War II, the Eisenhower Foundation, and local state and federal leaders in remembering the D-Day operation that brought together land, air, and sea armed forces on the beaches of Normandy where, under the leadership of Kansan and then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation resulted in France's liberation and the Allied forces' subsequent victory in World War II.

Kelly, according to a release from her office, offered comments during the ceremony, saying that the day was to remember "the men and women who bravely fought in World War II," with Kelly telling attendees that "General Eisenhower's leadership and expertise were invaluable in carrying out this successful operation, which laid the foundation for the peace he championed throughout his lifetime."

Thursday's remembrance ceremony included a wreath-laying and certificates of honor for 21 World War II veterans.