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80 years ago today D-Day landings

devon deer

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'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.'

The last of the few that gave so much to defeat a dictator attending a commemoration ceremony in France today, such brave souls.

Is it being covered in the US on TV?
You played such a massive part in the invasion.
 
I'm watching and remembering this day.

Dad was skipper on a Victory ship in the channel that morning. Loaded with ammo,waiting to resupply the troops.
Mom was at her station with the 7th fleet,getting supplies to the troops in the Pacific.

They never spoke of the war. But I knew they were part of the Greatest Generation.
 
I am watching the ceremony right now. I am more emotional than any previous marking of this date. I think it is how much I miss and admire my father.

He was 19 years old and in the Army Air Corp. He was a radio operator on a bomber crew. There was radio silence during the mission, but he was pressed into service as a co-pilot, as the regular co-pilot was stricken with a panic attack. There were so many brave young men that day. So many died on the beaches. D Day is one of the most consequential days in human history. I hope we can always remember that at great cost, good overcame evil.

All of my uncles on both sides were World War II vets, some in the Army, some in the Navy and one in the Marines. So many families have members who fought, many lost members of their families. It is so difficult to realize how hard it must have been and how brave they all were.
 
The Day of Days. Canadians and Americans sacrificed a lot far from their home soil in order to fight for the freedom and liberty of the world. Called the greatest generation for a reason. Stepped up against tyranny and hate and brought it low. They deserve every honour.
 
God bless those patriots who were the greatest generation and gave up the greatest gift for our freedoms. May they rest in peace.

My uncle was US Army in North Africa. My parents nurtured my brothers while building the landing craft for ship to shore.
Mom was a Rosie-the-Riveter, who lived to 101 with endless love and pride.

Dad & Mom Portland shipyard.jpg
 
Big Skip would mention snippets about 82nd training but not much detail. He talked very little about chuting in behind the lines & more about MP'ing in liberated France. He had zero fascination for firearms the rest of his life. I wish I'd asked more questions but he was really reticent about it. He loved Ike and Roosevelt.

Miss him every day...

 
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The last stanza of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem Ulysses always reminded me of those brave men and women.

Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are,
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
 
I know a local photographer that is there right now with a nonprofit group and 50 veterans ranging from age 96-104. I saw a presentation from them last month and it was very moving. It will probably be their last Battlefield Return program for WWII vets:
 
The Greatest Generation, left home to serve this great country to rid the world of tyranny and Free there fellow man! 🇺🇸
 
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