As we honor the fallen from the military this weekend, I can't help but think of my dad, his brother and their generation; most have died, but the few who survive have stories to tell and history to relate. The military of World War II were young, and willing, the same as the men today fighting for our country in Afghanistan and holding together the fragile peace in Iraq. What we seem to forget on these 3 day weekends is why the third day is a holiday. This weekend in cemeteries across the US you will see small flags decorating the graves of veterans...this happens because people remember the sacrifice of those who served.
These photos are from Normandy, where so many young lives were lost. The brave soldiers who stormed this beach saved Europe and the free world from the tyranny of Hitler.
Peaceful and serene today, Omaha beach "ran with blood" on the day of the invasion.
This weekend as we remember the fallen, let's also take a moment to remember those who are serving in remote parts of the world: a crag in Afghanistan, a tiny base in Diego Garcia a dot on the map in the Indian Ocean, on a ship in the Mediterranean, and the families who carry on without them. They are the true heroes in our world.
This video is from Ronald Reagan's speech at Ponte do Hoc in Normandy, on the 40th anniversary of D-Day. My cousin at the time was a White House Photographer and told me it was all he could do to keep his composure it was such a moving speech. Wishing you all a weekend filled with memories and remembrances as we celebrate memorial day.
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