D-Day

[fannypacker]

Today is that day and let's never forget it. My wife and I went there about 4 years ago and it made a lasting impression on both of us. Go and you will understand why it is called the greatest generation. Such bravery. Thank GOD the French people haven't forgotten. See the cliff Rudders Rangers climbed and tears will come to your eyes.

[Dub]

They were called the "greatest generation" for a reason. Let us never forget to respect our elders.

[atxtj]

My Grandfather landed 2nd wave on Omaha. He was in the 9th Air force (FOC) attached to the first inf. Div. He had some amazing stories, but didn't talk a whole lot about what he saw and did. Saving Private Ryan came out when I was in Basic Infantry School and when I got home I asked grandpa to come see it with me. He answered "I've already seen it once, don't care to see it again." He's since past away, but my father and I call every year to wish each other happy d-day. to the greatest generation, we've got some big shoes to fill!

[Rex B]

My dad was also a D-Day veteran, landing on Omaha June 6 with 147th Engineers.
We went with him to Normandy in 2004 for the 60th anniversary.
We lost Dad a year ago Christmas, but his legacy lives on.

[JP171]

I salute all who gave on D day, however if you ask the french it was they who won WW2 single handedly without and dirty american interference, just ask em, it is one of things I am tired of hearing from the froggies and all than anti american spew

[Rex B]

I don't know about that. In 2004 I think every window sill in Normandy, for hundreds of miles, had US and British flags flying.
All the WW2 recreationists were set up, and every one of them was in US - not French - military regalia - trucks, trailers, jeeps, uniforms.
I wish I had a nickle for every Frenchman, all ages, who stopped Dad on the street (wearing his D-Day veteran cap) and thanked him for saving their country that weekend. That even happened several times the week after as we toured the Loire Valley. We met lots of nice French people that trip, and none that were not friendly.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

The History Channel, Discovery, or one of them, had a story on D-Day where they interviewed
this kindly German grandfather who was one of the German defenders that day.

He had been in a bunker with an MG-42 or some such heavy duty German machine gun.

At the beginning of the battle he had 12 cases of ammo, with 1,000 rounds in each. He fired his
12,000 rounds down at the beach, tried to retreat, and was captured by the Allies.

He never told his captors what his position was since he felt he would be executed on the spot.
This unassuming man was one of the deadliest Germans at Normandy that day.

SIA

[OldCurlyWolf]

I don't know about that. In 2004 I think every window sill in Normandy, for hundreds of miles, had US and British flags flying.
All the WW2 recreationists were set up, and every one of them was in US - not French - military regalia - trucks, trailers, jeeps, uniforms.
I wish I had a nickle for every Frenchman, all ages, who stopped Dad on the street (wearing his D-Day veteran cap) and thanked him for saving their country that weekend. That even happened several times the week after as we toured the Loire Valley. We met lots of nice French people that trip, and none that were not friendly.

You must not have went to Paris. I have been told (no actual experience) that dealing with the French who are neither government bureaucrats nor Parisians can be quite pleasant.

[Rex B]

We did go to Paris, one evening only, and did not interact. I do not doubt that Parisians are a different sort. But then you can say that about Chicagoans, or New Yorkers.