Anniversary of D-Day...

Today marks the 69th anniversary of the largest single military operation in human history. More than 160,000 soldiers, supported by millions of supporting personnel back home, conducted the most daring and audacious military operation (through land, air and sea) ever seen up to that date (and arguably of all time!) in order to gain a foothold on the European front and ultimately turn the tide of the war.

The youngest (legally) enlisted soldier would have been 18 in 44' making them 87 today! These heroes, truly the finest examples of the Greatest Generation, changed the course of history and deserve the respect, praise and admiration of every American today. Sadly, this fine group of people are being taken by age at an accelerated rate (in fact, the last survivor of the D-Day invasion who I knew passed away just a few months ago) and won't be around too much longer. So, I would like to say thank you to all those who took part in this monumental undertaking, and all parts of World War 2. You all did something incredible, and truly helped shape the history of this nation.
-Mark

Thanks for this post Marcus! I have a great amount of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices that the Greatest Generation made for our country.

True American heroes, God bless them all. Great post!

The greatest generation no doubt.

Thanks for the post.

Sad to say that many people probably have no fucking clue what today is.

And many more who do...

It was because of such feats as the Normandy invasion that we are able to enjoy the lives we have today in freedom.

They are all heroes of not just their generation but of all generations that follow.

My thought exactly mr. daddio nobody knows and cares anymore nothing was on tv remembering those brave men who participated in d-day as a fellow airborne infantry soldier I find it appalling. If something happen to a stupid celebrity you best believe that would be on the news no stop. It's sad as a member of this nations military that this happens

Thanks for the post.

Sad to say that many people probably have no fucking clue what today is.

My thought exactly mr. daddio nobody knows and cares anymore nothing was on tv remembering those brave men who participated in d-day as a fellow airborne infantry soldier I find it appalling. If something happen to a stupid celebrity you best believe that would be on the news no stop. It's sad as a member of this nations military that this happens

I had this same (sickening) feeling/thought yesterday. I saw that a group of people were down at the river walk to hold a candlelight vigil for "George the Duck" who was killed last week. There were people weeping, had signs showing remorse, and a shrine set up in his memory...

I didn't see one story about a D-Day/WW2 memorial service which was held yesterday! I suppose it's old news nowadays. Just remember that those who don't honor and remember their history are doomed to repeat it.

As a kid, I remembered knowing a couple of WWI veterans.
Being young you don't really tell yourself that they won't be around.

I knew enough to tell myself to remember Pearl Harbour and the dropping of the bombs.

Sorry to say that as I got older I don't remember them until I see it in the media.
But I don't forget why we remember it.

I think Tom Hanks did good with his movie to put it on the map. I like to give the youth the benefit of the doubt that they will understand it.

to me the "greatest generation" is and will always be the boys who fought in 'Nam.

Both my grandfathers were in WWII, One was a musician, entertained the troops. The other landed on the beach that day. They both did their jobs. They both served. I loved and respected them both.

I watch Saving Private Ryan and I think, as a vet, it is the only accurate war movie made. Why? Because they all wanted to come home the whole time, but stayed and made the sacrifice, did the duty.

Not a big surprise, the musician Grandfather was more fun.

Actually the Soviet Invasion of Germany was about 8 times larger, but as far as America Goes...