"You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely....The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking." ~General Dwight D. Eisenhower giving the D-Day order on June 6, 1944.
From my uncle's collection of aerial photographs taken by the National Guard while he was on active duty in Europe in 1962"What a plan! This vast operation is undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place." - Winston Churchill addressing House of Commons, June 6, 1944.
A page from my scrapbook, Omaha Beach 2003
Sacred ground, American military cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer
From my uncle's collection of aerial photographs taken by the National Guard
A page from my scrapbook, Omaha Beach 2003
Sacred ground, American military cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer
Very good post. My father fought in WW II (Demolitions Expert). He was in Normandy 2 or 3 days after the invasion. He said the smell was overwhelming. Everything was torn up: trees, beach, everything. Can you imagine how scary that must have been to a young man? These men made such sacrifices for others. I don't think that's arrogance at all.
ReplyDeleteGod bless them all, in the past and in the present.
ReplyDeleteHi Stevie
ReplyDeleteMy son was able to tour the Normandy beaches in France while backpacing through Europe after college. He was always interested in D Day, and he said it was awe inspiring to be there. Your photos are wonderful!
I'm glad you are participating in Shelagh Duffet's art penpals!
Thanks so much for your post today. We must always remember their sacrifice!
ReplyDeleteThanks, too, for stopping by Cemeteries of the Covered Bridges and taking time to leave a comment. Appreciate it.
Oh, yes, and my eyes keep drifting over to your clip about BURN NOTICE. I love that show! Am so glad its been picked up again.
Hi Stevie! I've not been to Normandy, but have been to Flanders Fields, Dachau prison (my dad took us on the European tour of World War II sites) - Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne in Belgium is one place I recall vividly.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs and quotes are superb. Have you ever seen the film, "The Gathering Storm" with Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave. It is excellent.
Kat
Nice post - thanks.
ReplyDeleteUnforgettable.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my post about D-Day. We drive through Normandy regularly and yet we are always almost overwhelmed by the sight of the war graves and memorials. There are - just - so - many. The sacrifices are almost incomprehensible.
ReplyDeleteFirst I loved your PFF post! I love it when they are so personal and come with great memories.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you did a post about D-Day. My generation knows so little about this.
so right to remember the sacrifice made by so many americans!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute!
ReplyDelete