D-Day: The Longest Day

[Jimd]

This Sunday, June 6, is the 60th anniversary of D-Day. That day so long ago in 1944 was likely the most important military event in the modern world. It came so close to failure, yet was forced to succeed by those on the beach and those who fell from the skies because of their determination and willing sacrifice.



Without sounding hokey or trite, the fate of the world literally rested on these men's determination to make it work. And make it work they did. Their performance was a classic case of Improvising, Adapting, and Overcoming.



I can only imagine how those guys felt in the hours before D-Day jumped off. This Sunday, I'll be thinking often of the sacrifices they made on that "Day of Days". Of those who did not come back, and also of those who made it back.



I'll be thinking of the great guys from Easy Company, 101st Airborne who jumped into Normandy. Currently, they're in Normandy for the celebration, and God bless 'em! Having met several of them, I can truly say that they're a very special bunch of guys. Even in their elderly age, they stand out as a special bunch, having a quality that's difficult to explain.



God bless all those who made D-Day a success. I thank you, and my family thanks you for literally being responsible for our freedom as we enjoy it today. Think about it. More importantly, think about them.





Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com

[jaxon]

Yes. Good bless America.

Jaxon


Live to Ride....Ride to Live

[sven]

yes, God bless america. this country seems to have fallen away from the values and beliefs that it was so faithfully founded apon. i mean, look at every other civilization that has given itself over to immorality and the like and where are they now? oh, that's right, they don't exist anymore.....


sven

steel is unforgiving... sharp steel even more so

[gull wing]

Yes indeed, God Bless America, I thank God for having been born in the best country in the world. I wish to thank these men for their sacrifices. They gave up their youth for us. Also, I pray for the young men who now are standing watch for us, protecting us.

[Jimd]

Today, my oldest daughter and I attended the World War II Weekend that was held in Reading, PA. It's pretty much the biggest/best WW II reenactment show in the country. Scores of vintage aircraft were on display, as were vehicles such as tanks, motorcycles, jeeps, artillery, armored cars, etc.

Over 1,000 reenactors were present, dressed as Germans, Americans, Canadians, British, Japanese.

Many celebrities were on hand, as well. Wild Bill Guarnere, from the 101st "Band of Brothers" attended, and was kind enough to autograph several articles for my daughter and I. We also received autographs from one of the "Black Sheep" Squadron fighter aces, as well as a German fighter ace who had been a prisoner of war for the Russians.

Five Tuskeegee airmen were also autographing everything in sight, to everyone's delight. I know one of them (Lt. Col. Bert Levy) because his son is an inmate in the prison where I work. We talked briefly, and then he told me to write down my name and email address so he could mail me. I laughed and said, "This is a switch; you're asking me for an autograph!", to which he laughed.

General Paul Tibbets was there, too, but the line to meet him was about two hours long. I really wanted to meet him and get his signature, but there just wasn't enough time. Tibbets flew the Enola Gay during one of the atomic missions.

I did, however, get to meet Ted "Dutch" Van Kirk, who was the navigator on the Enola Gay, and he was kind enough to autograph a photo and some other items.

Each and every one of the above guys was polite to no end, very patient to answer questions, and generally cheerful. Everyone around, myself included, was thanking them up and down for the service they performed for our country. We just couldn't thank them enough.

When I thank Mr. McClurg from the Black Sheep Squadron, he just replied, "I didn't do anything that sixteen million other servicemen didn't do."
I replied, "You still deserve the same thanks I'd give each one of them."

What a powerful day! Can you tell I enjoyed it immensely? :-)
Words do not do justice for the gratitude I feel towards every veteran who safeguards our freedoms. God bless you all.

Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com

[Shiden]

God bless Freedom

Shiden


Audentis Fortuna Iuvat