Good morning. Today is the 75th Anniversary of D-day, the day 156,000 men, from the UK, the US and Canada, along with the French attacked the Germans.
This was the largest military operation ever attempted and in the simultaneous landings at 5 beaches in Normandy, the Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword marked the start to liberate Nazi occupied Europe.
On D-day 4,000 men lost their lives and 9,000 were wounded or missing. 75 years later there are not too many survivors left to tell their stories. Today I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge all those who lost their lives on D-day as well as all of those who fought in WWII, including my own relatives, one of whom liberated Dachau.
I have been to Normandy and it is a sight to behold. Row upon row of white crosses, it is moving, sobering and overwhelming.
We owe a huge debt to these brave souls so today I hope that you take a minute to honor their sacrifices.
Have a good day.
Life Lately…January
25 Christmas Mantles
Friday Favorites from Ben Pentreath, Calling it Home, Cupcakes and Cashmere and More
Swedish Rice Pudding
The Normandy beaches are indeed very moving, as are the cemeteries. And the shelled towns that left signs of the damage as a constant reminder.
One thing we don't think about enough is how hard life was even after the war. People were hungry. There were refugees. It took a long time, and a lot of investment from the U.S., to bring Europe back to life.
Someday I must walk the beaches at Normandy.
It is sobering, Elizabeth. Great tribute.
Brenda
Thanks for this post. My father was part of that military operation and I have his many medals from this battle, as he died at the age of 91. I don't believe that he ever completely recovered from the experience and the loss of a very close friend in the battle. 1944 was a very long time ago to most of the world now but this epic fight and the men who fought should never be forgotten. Thanks for reminding all of us of these great and brave men who accomplished so much for our world.
Did you see Macron's speech today? It was so powerful when he said, 'the French will always remember' what the Americans did for them. I'm so moved whenever I see any footage or hear the stories of these young US soldiers.
xo