80 years ago today many young men made the ultimate sacrifice in the effort to end Hitler’s reign of terror in Europe.
Let us not forget **D Day ** June 6, 1944
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Our week in Normandy last summer was one of the most moving experiences of our lives. Especially on Juno beach, where the Canadians suffered the highest casualty rate of the invasion force. The idea was that tanks would be floated in from the landing boats to back up the soldiers. Not such a great idea. I think only one tank made it. The soldiers were sitting ducks. Juno Beach was also the most heavily fortified by the Germans.
Omaha Beach is eerily quiet. It’s not surrounded by busy neighborhoods like most of the other beaches. I will never forget all the the American flags flying from private residences! They still appreciate what the US did in WWII.
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My father still had very fond memories from early childhood of American troops in France. So much so that he joined the US AF after he came to the US and obtained citizenship.
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For those that remember Andy Rooney and 60 minutes, check out his short piece in 2004 on YouTube, as I don’t think I am allowed to link it here. It is called, Andy Rooney on D-Day: “A day unlike any other”
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Someone on a sports forum I participate in posted this. It touches the heart strings.
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Such a good reminder! Thanks for posting.
If anybody is planning a Viking “Rhine Getaway” river cruise, I highly recommend the Colmar Pocket historic tour. The French villagers were so appreciative of the wartime help.
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We were in Normandy this March and absolutely loved our time there. Very emotional. It’s amazing to think of what those 20 something soldiers did out there that day. It’s the 80th anniversary - I’ve read several reports that this might be the last “big” anniversary with vets in attendance. Most of the people that were there that day are pushing a 100 now…
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This story upset me, but maybe he wanted to make this trip.
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That page says that “Persichitti enjoyed traveling and speaking with younger generations about his experiences”.
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Yes, I read that. I believe the men and women that make these voyages, do so for their love of their country. I once was at the airport when a group of veteran were heading to another historic event. Many in wheelchairs with a chaperone with them. It was heart warming and sad all at the same time. Neither my husband or I have a family history with the military, so did not grow up hearing war stories.
Another interesting story about him; sounds like a man I would enjoy having a conversation with.
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As I read about the commemorations, I am reminded of an article from 1941 that has stayed in my memory since first reading it.
Thinking about the brave men and women who fought to preserve democracy and freedom, I am again reminded of it.
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Today I flash back to “Up With The People” tune. Saw a local spin off as a kid, and mom bought the album
Freedom isn’t free! Freedom isn’t free!
You’ve got to pay a price,
You’ve got to sacrifice
For your liberty.
(I am cringing a bit at “liberty”, which may not align with my current views. But it is a catchy song).
It was heartwarming today to see so many Facebook tributes to the veteran heroes.
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Thanks for posting this link from the era of those who may have fought for the allies on D day. The author’s thought exercises are fascinating and perceptive, particularly this one:
“L is the strongest natural-born Nazi in this room. Mr. B regards him with contempt tempered by hatred. Mr. B will use him. L is already parroting B’s speeches. He has the brains of Neanderthal man, but he has an infallible instinct for power.”
The person the author describes as “L” reminds me of someone; I can’t quite put my finger on who 
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The author of “Who Goes Nazi?” also describes another character type:
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I sat last evening crying over David Muir’s visit with five WWII veterans who were there at Utah Beach on D-Day. What heroes. As for them, they say they will never forget and always honor the memories of those they lost that day, that this visit is not for themselves. When my generation dies and onward, this will fade into the misty past. It is my Dad’s generation and that’s why it is so special to me. I pray no US lives were given in ultimate vain there and in all of WWII
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Has anybody read Tom Brokaw’s “The Greatest Generation”? I heard a radio interview a few years ago, and it sounded interesting.
https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Generation-Tom-Brokaw/dp/0812975294
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No, I haven’t. I should. I have Dad’s copy now. I had given to him for Christmas one year.
He was in the Philippines after it was retaken. He was stateside till then. Lucky for him they lost his orders for Europe.
Recently we saw a Smithsonian production called “The Fall of Japan”. There was footage of a comic named Joe E. Brown putting on a show in Manila. The camera panned the audience and I saw my Dad!!! Instantly recognized him. Contacted my brother about it and he agreed. What a thrill.
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We have photos of my late uncle with Raymond Burr (Perry Mason) in Viet Nam that are pretty cool. He survived 2 tours in Viet Nam, only to succumb years later to Agent Orange issues.
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