Those men who landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. It certainly changed the course of the War, it was the beginning of the liberation of France and it cost us dearly in lives lost.
This spring, we went to Normandy --
A view of Omaha beach from the German view. The day we were there was quite like the day in June in 1944 . . .
And the beach itself.
Approximately 12,000 Americans lost their lives on this beach.
And at first were buried here.
Very near Omaha Beach, this first burial site.
I Stand Here Now
I stand here now
Amongst . . .brave men
With whom . . . I've stood before
The last time . . . when we landed
On June 6th of '44
Back then . . .we were all young men
Eighteen or little more
Their lives . . .cut short . . . that morning
On this distant . . . windswept shore
I stand here now . . . and wonder
What would they . . . have become
Had they survived. . . that morning
Their lives . . . allowed full run
One thing. . . I know . . .for certain
Of which . . . there is . . .no doubt
These brave young men
My pals . . .from then
Would be . . .old
White haired . . .with wrinkled brow
Just like me . . .
As I stand here. . . now
Tony Chapman
The American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach . . . American Soil, the burial place of Nine Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-seven American Heroes . . .
Today is Veteran's Day and on the 11th hour of this 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the Twenty-first century, let there be a moment of silence for all of our American heroes. The soldiers and veterans and those who didn't make it home who served our country and served it well.
4 comments:
Thought provoking isn't it? Bob and I were at Normandy last November on election day in the US. I couldn't help but think, they dies so we could have free and open elections. May they rest in peace. Ginger
Martha,
This brought tears to my eyes, dear friend! My dad is one of those white haired and wrinkled old men who served during World War II! My tribute to the men in my family is on my FB page! Thank you for this precious tribute!
Fondly,
Pat
So tragic yet so inspiring too.
We certainly have been blessed by the sacrifices of our service men and women!
Our son is in the Army, and willing to make sacrifices to ensure our freedoms.
Thanks for this day in which to reflect, and give thanks for those that have given their lives. The home of the free BECAUSE of the brave.
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