LACONIA, N.H. (AP) – As veterans of the D-Day invasion prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of the Allied landing in France, a veteran in Laconia was shocked to see his experiences described in a new children’s book.

The book – “A Day That Changed America: D-Day” – tells the story of four young Americans involved in the invasion.

Then only 17, Robert Giguere was among a small group of sailors assigned to mark channels and clear the beaches for the thousands of troops who followed.

Giguere said he didn’t know his story was included until he received a copy of the book from the publisher.

It turns out his son and the historian for his naval unit had worked with the author.

His actions on D-Day, including saving wounded men and knocking out a gun emplacement earned him two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and the highest military honor the French government awarded to Americans.

Though it has been almost 60 years, Giguere still finds it difficult to talk about his war experiences.

“I did what I was told to do. I’m not a hero,” he said, holding back tears. “The heroes are the guys who didn’t come back.”



Meningitis

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PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) – A Portsmouth High School student is recovering at home from viral meningitis.

The illness is not as serious as bacterial meningitis, which killed a Hillsborough woman last year. Patients usually recover from the inflammation of tissue around the brain and spinal cord in one to two weeks.

Common symptoms include neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and drowsiness.

Parents and high school staff were alerted on Friday and instructed to watch children for symptoms.



Spring Fling

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PLYMOUTH, N.H. (AP) – Police say Spring Fling weekend at Plymouth State University was relatively quiet.

Authorities made 41 arrests during the four days, down from last year’s 86. Police said most of the arrests were noise and alcohol-related.

Unlike past years, there were no bonfires in the street, fueled by furniture.

AP-ES-05-11-04 1446EDT



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