I was outside working most of the day yesterday so I didn't get a chance to write until this morning. Off and on during the day I found myself thinking about the Allied invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944. An incredible, audacious assault by the Allies against the German war machine in an attempt to liberate Northwestern Europe from the clutches of Hitler.
We all know what the outcome was. The Allied forces prevailed but not without tremendous losses: Approximately 10,000 total Allied casualties, KIA, MIA, wounded or captured. 2499 Killed In Action from the United States alone. The bravery and sacrifice of these men, what they did for us and for the people of Europe should never, ever be forgotten.
Saving Private Ryan should be required viewing by every American school student. I know... it's just Hollywood, not reality. But every once in a great while even they get it right. And if it helps to keep alive the memory of our battles, achievements, our veterans and our fallen, then I'm OK with that.
The WWII Fallen from the Greatest Generation... what would they think of us now, what we have become? America is truly the greatest nation this earth has seen, a bright light of freedom shining through the darkness. It is the American soldier who made it so, and keeps making it so. I've heard the word "hero" used an awful lot these days. These men were truly heroes. In the days and years ahead, remember them and honor what they gave us.
No comments:
Post a Comment