Remembering D-Day
Today marks the 63rd anniversary of D-Day, an epic event in the history of our nation and the world. As the sons and daughters of democracy, we must remember this historic day and honor those brave liberators who defended freedom in Europe and around the world. And we must resolve never to forget such hallowed words as Anzio, Nettuno, Salerno, Normandy. These names speak of the sacrifices of our parents and the freedom of their children and grandchildren.
Twenty three years ago, on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, President Reagan delivered a moving speech during the Normandy Invasion Ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial at Omaha Beach, France. I’ve linked to the entire speech, but here are a few of his words that remind us why we acknowledge D-Day and honor the brave soldiers who so valiantly stormed the beach that day.
“No speech can adequately portray their suffering, their sacrifice, their heroism. President Lincoln once reminded us that through their deeds, the dead of battle have spoken more eloquently for themselves than any of the living ever could. But we can only honor them by rededicating ourselves to the cause for which they gave a last full measure of devotion.
Today we do rededicate ourselves to that cause. And at this place of honor, we’re humbled by the realization of how much so many gave to the cause of freedom and to their fellow man.”
These champions climbed the cliffs, took the beaches, braved the machine gun nests, took out the gun batteries, did the unthinkable – the unimaginable. Their deeds that day define their valor and deserve our deepest gratitude and respect. They are the heroes we honor today.
Be sure to check out the other Patriotic Journeyers… JimK, Scott, Larry, Drumwaster, and Cosmicbabe.
Doug
4 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (4)
Very nice. We should never forget the price our boys paid to take the beaches in Normandy that day and how it turned the tide of the war.
It is difficult for most people today to fathom what it took to hit that beach. If you watched "Saving Private Ryan" then you have some idea but multiply that by 1000 and try to imagine yourself there. What those brave men did was truly heroic in the real sense of the word.
A great speech as so many of his were. I especially liked, "From a terrible war we learned that unity made us invincible; now, in peace, that same unity makes us secure." Thanks. We need another leader like Reagan.
We salute the brave men who fought to liberate France that day. They turned the tide of the war.
My grandfather didn't talk much about D-Day, but he stormed the beach and was wounded, My father says it affected him all his life. I have a picture of him taken after the beach was secured. He looked so young, I think he was 19.
If there was a world war today, I know our soldiers would be ready and willing, but how would our elected officials handle things, especoally when the casualties mounted? Not well I think.
We didn't take the time to read the speech, but we enjoyed the article. We are looking forward to reading more.