Major Dick Winters statue to be dedicated in Ephrata

(Ephrata) — A famous World War Two hero will be honored this Memorial Day: a statue dedicated to Major Dick Winters, the leader of the “Band of Brothers,” is being dedicated in Lancaster County.

The unveiling of the statue in Ephrata in honor of Winters this afternoon comes after years of work to raise money for the project. It will be the centerpiece of a Veteran’s Plaza recognizing all veterans.

It’s a replica of the statue dedicated on June 6, 2012 in Normandy, France, in Winters’ likeness, honoring the leadership of all junior U.S. military officers during the D-Day invasion. 

The Ephrata native became perhaps the most famous World War II veteran in the world after his story was told in the HBO series “Band of Brothers” and book by the same name.

Known for his leadership and humility, he never really embraced the spotlight. Winters passed away in January, 2011.

Rebecca Gallagher, co-chair of the Winters Leadership Memorial Committee, says there’s been a carryover effect though.

“That story really helped bring more focused attention on the entire generation and the entire World War Two story, and to a certain degree, it’s become representative of the stories that haven’t been told,” she says. “He wasn’t supportive of them because they celebrated him, he was supportive of them because they celebrated veterans, and they brought attention to all fighting men and women.”

Winters’s daughter had protested the statue, saying her father would not want the attention on him.  No members of the Winters’ family are expected at today’s event.

The ceremony starts at 3:00 this afternoon, and you can RSVP here.

WITF will be covering the event and providing updates and photos on Periscope and Twitter.