Just thought I'd start a post reminding everyone today is the 75th anniversary of Dday. Very few WWII vets are still with us and even fewer who took part in the largest amphibious assault in modern history. If you know a vet or are lucky to have a family member that served thank them for their service and sacrifice. I would give all I own to have another conversation with my grandfather before he passed so take the opportunity while it's available. Truly a remarkable achievement and effort to help ensure a foothold to free the world of tyranny.
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A Hokie Medal of Honor winner on D-Day
Jimmie Monteith
Wikipedia
VT Magazine
Much appreciation for sharing, but the fix had to be done.
We were just in Normandy a couple of weeks ago and were at the American cemetery with the intent to pay our respects. Unfortunately they had all of the graves roped off to make sure the grass looked perfect for the anniversary so I was only able to find the section and row.
I'm planning to be there at the end of July, hopefully it will be accessible then.
Here you go, just got back. The ropes were gone from this section now, so I was able to take a pic.
I dont remember it very clearly, wasn't born yet.
D'oh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX4RUsJoR4c
An hour well spent. 4 D-Day Vets interviewed on their experience.
A hero is someone who does the right thing even when he (or she) is afraid. There were tens of thousands of heroes on that day and the days that followed. My Dad was not in the first wave (I think he was D-day+7), but he earned his Purple Heart after being shot by a sniper. He was a far from perfect man but was still a hero.
It is right we remember our guys for their valor on that day but don't forget that there were many other nations represented in other landings that day.
I was watching a documentary on this last night and I'll tell you...the most sobering thing was the veteran who said something to the effect of, "The real heroes died on the beach. I'm not a hero. I came home."
The sacrifice that our troops made (and still make) is so under appreciated.
my father was in the first wave of Omaha beach, and fought through to Germany. He always said the heroes died , and the lucky got to came home.
One of my former co-workers, (retired now) was at both D-Day and Bataan. I always think of the quiet, little man and wonder how he made it through and thank him for his service. He just turned 94.
Thank you again Mr. Grimes.
If anyone is close to PA and has nothing to do this weekend, the Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, PA has their annual WWII weekend. I do reenacting and do this event every year. It's an amazing collection of history including tanks, planes, equipment, and a chance to hear from the ever decreasing number of veterans. It's a great way to remember and learn a whole lot about the war and especially camp life. I also see it as a way to keep the memory of these people alive and educate other's on what they had to endure. Plus, it's looking like perfect weather this weekend.
You reenact? Do tell. I used to collect but never reenacted.
Yeah, I do British Airborne. My best friend started doing American airborne in high school but things got really political in the unit and he got interested in British since most events just had Americans and Germans. I've always enjoyed history and both my Grandparents served in WWII and my brother is currently in the Air Force. Reenacting has given me such respect for anyone in the military. But our unit has two core values: educate and preserve history. We rationalize how much money we spend by saying that we are saving original equipment but then we also use it to educate people at events on the life's soldiers led. Especially with less and less veterans every year, this is a small way we can keep the memory and legacy of them alive
My great great aunt was an Abbott from Bedford. That family lost 2 boys amongst the Bedford Boys.
During our tour of the American sector last month, our tour guide mentioned the Bedford Boys and there is a replica statue of one that is at the D-day memorial in Bedford on Omaha Beach.
I had no idea why the D-Day Memorial was in Bedford. Then, I heard the story. I cried. The largest per capita death of ANY community in the US. I am truly humbled and will visit this soon. Never Forget!!
I was at the 50th anniversary.
Was good fun hearing the stories of the D-Day veterans.
That truly was the Greatest Generation.
This is worth your time to read. Barry Svrluga is a sports writer for the WaPo.
Combining two of my favorite things
I've been listening and watching throughout the day when able.
I have to say, I am humbled by the memories of these great men.
I've teared up a few times hearing them recount their experiences.
I feel so unworthy and little compared to these men and in truth, I am.
What they did is beyond my comprehension and I pray that it is never required again.
And pray that the generations that follow never forget. We don't need ro repeat this part of history.
It's been very interesting to see the news articles about these incredible men and their legacies. I was excited when I saw this article https://wset.com/news/local/d-day-navy-medic-living-in-danville-remember... about somebody that I have known my whole life.
I read Code Girls this past winter, and it was enlightening to learn what was happening in the U.S. in preparation for D Day.
I know this quote is about Iwo Jima, (this is one thing I remember from 11th grade AP History) but I feel that it describes so much about WW2 "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."