D-Day Anniversary - Remember
I took a long lunch and headed up to Ontario Beach park where there was a service marking the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day landings. The birds chirping added a certain level of peacefulness to a day that was anything but, 63 years ago. The D&C (Flanigan) has a short article here.
I was struck by the collection of fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers that were assembled. They looked sharp in their uniforms and though their salutes quivered as the colors passed, they were steadfast and solemn. As they put it, they were survivors of 200 men companies where a dozen would come out.
The 80 year old boys behind the lectern and in the audience were from all types of units representing different battles and engagements. The 101st AB, 1AD, 29ID, 28ID, 445th Bomb group, 106th ID, 87ID, Navy, Coast Guard Marines and those were just the patches I recognized.
I went to the ceremony because last year, out on the campaign trail I met one of the vets and felt a desire to shake his hand again. I’ve also been thinking of a long lost buddy whose father went ashore in Normandy as part of 2ID. Years ago, I ended up at a 2ID reunion and really gained an appreciation for these guys.
Finally - it is a rare opportunity to see or meet the people who blazed the path on which you walk. I’ll close with a quick story.
As a young Army officer in Europe, my unit was maneuvering in Holland. My driver and I stopped outside some farm house near Eindhoven. I forgot the reason why we stopped, but all of a sudden we were mobbed by a couple of elderly women. Why? Well, my driver was a Vietnam Vet and wore on his right shoulder a 101st Screaming Eagles combat patch. Ultimately we realized the 101st had liberated this particular area from the Nazis during Operation-Market Garden.
I told my sergeant to enjoy the attention because the guys ahead of him had made it happen.
Guys like John Cipolla, whom I would meet years later, pictured below or the guys who aren’t pictured.
Thanks for sharing this piece Stlo7. This expresses a sentiment I firmly believe is shared among all members of RT: our deep admiration for brave men and women who leave their family and friends to serve our nation in time of war and pay the ultimate sacrifice.
As a volunteer part-time teacher at the Veterans Outreach Center’s Charles P. Golisano Campus, I recommend everyone to please stop-in to say ‘hi’ and ask how you can donate your time and money.
Learn more about the dedication of the VOC in the Democrat and Chronicle coverage
This post gave me chills, especially after having seen Saving Private Ryan. Thanks stlo7.
Thanks for this post. Democrats love our military.
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