operation overlord 06/06/44

So...I should've posted this yesterday, on the REAL day of D-Day, but life was a little busy yesterday. As you all know, I love history - especially WWII, American History, and the history of any product. Yesterday was the 66th anniversary of the largest amphibious invasion of all time, the partner to the massive air assault that began at 0000 on that very day. Poor conditions, landing at the wrong place, and all odds stacked against them. These dudes were puking on the boat, mere children (in the scheme of life) shaking in their boots, going out to win one for the good guys, to change the game of the War. The greatest generation. No doubt in my mind. You would be hard pressed to find a whole group of guys so on board, so pumped up, so willing to give it all for the country that they loved, and such support at home, in our generation. Sad, but true. God had his hand on the good ole' USA on that day and although many of our guys lost their lives, it was a decisive win for the good guys. We were standing for what's right & helping those that couldn't help themselves. Not by "being nice to them" or giving "economic sanctions", but by just taking matters into our own hands and saving the day. Love it. It's like the end to a good novel.

My fam has taken 2 trips to Normandy, France to see the sights & to walk the beaches. Jimmy & I went in 2004 & loved it so much that we went with my parents again in 2006 to celebrate my Dad's retirement. I get my love of History honestly - my dad trumps me a million times over. He is a walking History textbook. It's pretty awesome, actually :) The people of Normandy love the Americans & have many museums & statues & areas designated for "thank yous" for the American troops. It's not like most places in Europe where they aren't particularly fond of us, there's still a sense of honor toward us. I guess that sometimes people really don't forget good deeds.

My dad & I at Utah Beach - 2006

Jimmy & I at Omaha Beach - 2006

Mom & Dad at Omaha Beach - 2006

One of the most touching places that I have ever been in my life was the cemetery at Coleville Sur Mer. I talked about it in a previous post, but it's just that overwhelming. 175.2 acres of graves;

9,387 graves of our military dead; 1,557 names inscribed on the semi-circular garden of the Wall of the Missing. Astronomical. Unbelievable. It overlooks Omaha Beach - very appropriate. It's a somber place. Visiting will make even the toughest man cry. Just ask my husband ;) The graves shown above are the real brothers of "Saving Private Ryan" fame. Pretty cool, huh?

Maybe I'll leave y'all alone with all of my history/military posts for a while :) Just wanted to recap D-Day with you, so maybe my readers can grow to love it as much as I do - well, maybe at least a quarter as much as I do.