If you are or have any WWII veterans in your families tell them BH says "Thank You"

June 6th 1945 D-Day

The American and British invasion of France was a top-secret mission called "Operation Overlord." When they landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, the goal of every soldier was to drive the German military back. Thousands of men died during that effort, either in the churning waves of the sea or by German gunfire. But enough soldiers struggled up onto the bluffs that, by nightfall, American and British forces had conquered a small area of Nazi-occupied France.

DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
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Thanks for the reminder BH. I'll do that.

BH, thank you VERY much for this reminder! This day, often goes un-noticed by some in my generation.

THANK YOU!!!

Thanks BH I am going up to the cemetery today to give dad some flowers and thanks..

Thanks BH. I would have been too caught up in my own self to remember...

That scene is the ultimate definition of Courage.

Do we have any WWII vets on BT?

BH, will do, pass along my thanks to any you meet please.

BH, thanks. And what a day to remember, I know I will. We got a text from Dylon this morning, he's now back in Texas, for "hands on training." Finished in the top of his class in Biloxi, and he is (and I quote)

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quote:

WORKING ON F16s WOOOOHOOOO!!!!!

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I guess he's a little happy. He's in electronics, so he will be working on that end

Thanks you for the reminder BH, it makes me proud to live in this country!

BC, that is so cool for Dylon, love that aircraft.

We all stand aside you BH on this day.

Thank you BH. I have watched and read many things on this. In fact G is watching something on it right now...
This is a great country, we have and have had so many great people serving to protect us and it!

Sorry. I posted this below before I saw this thread because it started with "Is it really June 6th?"

Also, can we all take a moment today to think of all those brave men who stormed Omaha, Juno, Utah, Gold and Sword beaches in Normandy 64 years ago today. We would not be taking trips to Bonaire, have internet freedom, and be able to lead the wonderful lifestyles we have without the ultimate sacrifice they made.

Blue, being the educator that I am, it was June 6, 1944. The war in Europe, thanks to this day, was over before June of 45.

(Message edited by JimMc on June 6, 2008)

Now I know it was 44....guess the brain is not talking to the fingers good or just the Friday lack of attention.

Every one of us owes a great debt to those who have served in our armed forces. Unfortunately, the world is really not a safe place. Many know this too well.

Thanks for the reminder BH.....I salute all who have served and are serving!

(Message edited by devfam on June 6, 2008)

I do not think unless you were there anyone could ever imagine what it was like on that day in 1944. I am humbled at the courage of those who took on Fortress Europe and brought it to its knees.

If you have any particular interest in WW II and/or know someone who would like to learn more, let me recommend two items that I think are of surpassing quality as educational (and entertainment) materials.

The movie, When Lions Roared, directed by Joseph Sargent. A docu-drama of how Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin negotiated WW II and designed the post-war map of the world. I found it at Netflix.

The book (also on audiotape), Franklin
and Winston, by Jon Meacham. A fascinating portrayal of the relationship between Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, mainly during the war years.

I would think these works would especially be real revelations for younger people just learning about the war years.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Charles thank you for the recommendations - I will look for them.

One of the greatest individuals I have ever had the honor to know is Ray Swedzinski. He was the father of a friend and quickly became a friend to everyone he met. He was the most unimposing and unpretentious human I've ever met - especially considering his life experiences and accomplishments.
He was the B24 co-pilot of the Sorgenfrei Crew. Their plane was shot down over France on their last mission. The story of their survival is a true testament to the human spirit.
I found an excerpt online here:
M1,it starts on page 200 if it doesn't come up
Here's another story of their experience in France A Hero's Return to France

Ray went on to father 4 children, take care of his beautiful wife Irene, farm his land in Taunton MN, become Sheriff and Mayor (I think I have that right!!!). Just a truly wonderful, wonderful person.
He and Irene would visit Santa Barbara at least once a year - usually a month at Xmas. He knew more people here than I do!! We miss him dearly. They just don't make people like him often enough.