History comes alive in Gobles

GOBLES, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A veteran of World War Two brought history to life on Thursday in Gobles.

A member of the 84^th infantry, who landed on Omaha beaches during the D-Day invasion, shared his experiences at Gobles High School.

Paul Backas was drafted in 1943 and served for three years as a private in the Army.

Backas spoke on Thursday about the mental and physical challenges, and the lasting impact the war had on his life.

"I told myself when I got out, never again would we have a war like that," said Backas, "only to see the U.S. involved in Vietnam and Korea, now Afghanistan, I don't understand it."

Hundreds of students and community members listened in to the history lesson. A Gobles history teacher says he's happy they had the opportunity because one day, the first-hand stories will be gone.