Today is a Double D- Day for me. I am apologetically late in posting this but I could not let this day pass without saying Thank You to all who served in World War II and particularly those who participated in Operation Overlord, otherwise known as D-Day.
D-Day, June 6, 1944 was the day the Allieds invaded Normandy and thus turned the tide of the war in Europe. The attack involved both an air assault as well as amphibious landing that stretched along the coast of France. If you've read The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan (or seen the movie), or even more recent seen Saving Private Ryan, then you have an idea of the significance of this day.
We are so removed from that era, even that century that I wonder if anyone under the age of 45 has any idea of what this day stands for, or even that it is a day to be remembered. I suppose that is the downside of our electronic- 24/7 news era. . . we are assaulted hourly with "Happening Now" news thanks to Twitter, Smart phones and news alerts.
How can we remember and pay respect to such important historic events when we are constantly being bombarded with news stories of current wars, oil spills, world wide economic conditions, health concerns, and I think I'll stop now before I depress everyone.
But, I said this is a Double-D Day for me and that is because it was my Father's birthday. And, although he passed away several years ago and I think of him often; and this is the one day when I am especially proud of him and of all of the other Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and everyone else that gave us so much.
It was Karen Anne Stone's post, though that helped me to not only remember my father but also to give me the "nudge" to go ahead and write this post.
How did he remember D-Day? My dad was a photographer in the Army Air Corps (no Air Force yet). On June 6, 1944 (and BTW, no I did not come along until later) when my dad's Commanding Officer said they would be flying that day, asked if he could stay behind since it was his birthday. His CO said, "Henry, I think you're going to want to be along for this one."
And, I'm so grateful that we had the brave men and women who were along for this one.
I do not take my freedoms for granted and I hope that you do not either. I know I have said this before but please take the time to thank those who have served and are currently serving our country.
If you are planning a vacation, think about putting off Las Vegas or the islands, and take your family to Washington DC and visit the Memorials there.
I promise you this, if you visit the National WWII Memorial , you will not be disappointed AND you will not walk away without a lump in your throat and a feeling of pride in being an American.
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