D-Day

 

June 6, 1944

Their gun barrels covered against the spray, U.S.

 infantrymen gaze from their landing craft toward

 Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Credit: National Archives, Washington, D.C

A number of thoughts go through my mind when I think about D-Day.  I first think of the men, women, and entire families who selflessly sacrificed so much for the greater good of many nations.  I think of my grandparents who lived through that day and time; and I think of my parents - predominantly my dad whom I sat next to when we watched Saving Private Ryan in the movie theater.  During the beginning of the movie when all of the men were landing on the beach the beginning scenes graphically depicted what happened on that day.  I remember the horrifying injuries and deaths depicted in the movie; but what I remember most about that movie is when my dad leaned over and told me, "This really happened."  From that moment I was in awe at how the soldiers kept pushing on.  Leaving their injured comrades behind was agonizingly difficult, but they had a mission to accomplish.  They pushed through and never gave up - failure was not an option for these men.  It is no exaggeration that this was the greatest generation that ever lived...

There are no words that could ever do justice what men, women, children, families, and ultimately nations sacrificed on that day; but I, along with many people and what I am sure are many nations will be eternally grateful for the sacrifices, dedication, courage, and selfless perseverance these men showed the entire world on that fateful day.   

God bless the soldiers and families all over the world who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.