The walk to the view from above is as serene as the view.
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The view from the beach is calm. The surrounding houses, people on the beach and in the water are reminders of the why.
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The statue, the sign markers, the museum, the photos are reminders of what happened on 6 June 1944 – right here on Omaha Beach.
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The rows and rows gravemarkers also reminded us of the importance of being about to enjoy happiness today on the beach below. This is the US cemetery above the beach.
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You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely. (General Dwight D. Eisenhower, United States Army)
Next post: More Normandy
For other posts about our time in the British Isles, click here.
On Politics
Interesting how a group of people proclaim they want to return to the original intent of the Constitution, but also want to amend it.
Many political pundits got what they wanted with the resignation of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Shinseki). Meanwhile, the systemic problems within the organization are deep and entrenched.
For as long as schools have been serving lunches, the educational system has had the chance to teach about nutrition … and they miserably failed. Given that “Kids Eating Healthy” has been First Lady Michelle Obama’s focus during her time in the White House, the cause has been politicized because that happens in Washington. Columnist Kathleen Parker recently wrote this interesting piece. (Thanks, Tim)
President Obama issued an executive order regarding reducing carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants. It terms of the cost analysis of the order, was it even given? From my archives, here’s a post about environmental costs.
Tp politicians on both sides of the aisle: You can disagree with the solution, but that doesn’t mean you must deny the problem.
Although the exchange regarding American Bowe Bergdahl is odd in numerous ways, I await more information … but I can say that if President Obama is required to notify Congress, he should have.
Something to contemplate: If the Republicans asked President Obama to fart, and then he did, would they complain?
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Scientific community baffled by man whose waist 32 with some pants, 33 with others
Survey: Most common deathbed regret is never spraying fire extinguisher
Hockey team counting on goalie to step up on offense
Bounty launches beginner series for people new to paper towels
Man updates little monologue recited when extended relatives ask how he’s doing
On Potpourri
June 6th is the 70th anniversary of D-Day. There aren’t many WW II vets left, and many less will be around for the 75th anniversary. So, I wonder … once they are gone, how will the people of the world remember not only D-Day, but WW II? Will the lessons stay with society? I like this column from David Ignatius.
Health Update: Since Tuesday’s eye episode, I’ve had a blood test and an ultrasound on my major neck arteries, so now I await the results. Thanks to all for your concerns!
I’m due for a new header.
Life: The Musical returns next week, so I’ll announce the theme on Monday.
Sorry, no Saturday Morning Cartoon post again. 😦 … but I’m not giving up! 🙂
Normally, our handbell choir has already started summer break by now, but not this year. This weekend we our playing during the service at our denomination’s southern Ohio assembly (convention). Given this weekend is Pentecost, our director selected an interesting piece associated with wind. Here’s a good recording of Windscape (start 30 seconds in), and given its over 7-minute length, it can serve as background when reading other blogs.
Your weekend celebrations
(Weekend) Horseradish Days, Lemonade Days, Positive Power of Humor and Creativity Days
(Fri) Donut/Doughnut Day, D-Day Anniversary, Drive-In Movie Day, Russian Language Day, Yo-Yo Day, Be-Bop-a-Lula Day
(Sat) Daniel Boone Day, Do-Dah Parade Day, Drawing Day, Pencil Day, National Trails Day, Turtle Races Dy, VCR Day, June Bug Day, Chocolate Ice Cream Day
(Sun) Upsy Daisy Day, Oceans Day, Race Unity Day, Caribbean-Americans HIV Awareness Day
To send you into the weekend, here’s a chance to sing along … well, for those old enough (like me) to remember this 1965 hit about Mrs. Brown’s daughter … Enjoy Herman’s Hermits. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Considering that events are like dominos, determining the most significant events in a century is actually difficult – but, for the effect on my life, it’s World War II. With this week marking another anniversary of D-Day Invasion, it’s good timing for this post.
It’s hard to imagine 16 million Americans serving in the Armed Forces at that time – let alone over 400,000 deaths. Then add to that the number of serving the Allies from other countries, and those too that died. Top that off with the huge effort at home. Simply wow!
The survivors became what journalist Tom Brokow called The Greatest Generation – the hard workers, respectful citizens, community leaders, and business leaders that built the success of the post-war America. We baby boomers grew up around these men, and lived a life because of them.
Personally, my dad fought in WW II as an 18 year old who left high school to serve – and he re-enlisted in the 1950s. In 2008, I took him to what would be his last reunion with his friends, and I later wrote about my weekend with the Greatest Generation, a post most of my current readers haven’t seen. (John, you will like it.)
Because WW II was such a defining moment for this country and the world, I’m amazed that the U.S. didn’t have a national monument for the effort until 2004. Then again, perhaps that is because of the humble nature of these men and those times that we didn’t understand until later.
My dad passed away several years ago at age 84, yet he never saw the National WW II Memorial – I now understand that I should have taken him. Honor Flight is an organization with a mission of taking surviving veterans to this worthy memorial in Washington – and doing so free of charge. I encourage readers to consider a donation to this cause.
When Dad passed away, a dinner group friend asked me about making a donation in his memory – and I suggested Honor Flight. Last week that friend sent me a link with an article and a video while saying, “I thought of your dad when I saw this.” Needless to say, and after two years, I was touched and cried for a variety of reason. Enjoy the video.
A Frank Angle 