As a kid I could never understand my old man, he would keep after me about things like, hard work, responsibility, no one owes you anything, respect for others kindness and generosity. Now at 63 years old I look back and wish he were here with me so that I could say thanks for what he and thousands of other GI`s did for us as a nation and a people but in some ways I am glad that he isn`t here to see what has become of our leadership today.

 

 

I used to ask my troops where they think they would have been the appropriate number of years back to D-Day. I was shocked at how many "I dunno"s I got.

 

Last month I turned 50. I learned about WWII in school, but I never really got it. It wasn't until I had kids of my own that I realized that that war could have taken them away from me.

I look back on my life and think that even after all these years I have never met as many people as those that died that day. I am Canadian, and a couple of years ago my younger brother had the opportunity to visit Juno Beach and Vimy Ridge. He said he just stood there and cried. One day I hope to make the trip to see the places where so many gave up their lives.

One more thing, and this bothers me. The German army was made up largely of men who had no choice, Kill or be killed by your own countrymen. They literally came into offices and handed out rifles to people and told them to fight or be killed. Those that did not take up arms were shot right in front of everyone else.

But when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor they did it without reservation. They did it for the Emperor and their country. Kamikaze bombers were the extreme example. Japanese people are extremely proud of their heritage. They would be extremely proud of invading the USA if they had one the war.

And today, because of what they did, I will NEVER own a Japanese car. Out of respect for those that died in Pearl, I won't let my kids own one either. It actually disgusts me when I see people driving them.

Just my humble opinion, remembering those that should never be forgotten, for a day that should always be remembered.
74Ken

 

My uncle Jack landed with the 29th Div on Omaha beach. He survived D-Day but lost his life in the battle outside St Lo. My father and three of his brothers all fought in the European theater and then my dad was sent over to be part of the invasion of Japan. He had pictures of where the "bombs" were dropped and talked about how hard it would have been if we had tried to invade the country. I did 22 years in the Army, my son was in the navy and my daughter is in the SC national guard with a tour over in Afganistan. So Mr "I've got a degree in military history" while all generations may have some greatness to them it took those men and women who fought and gave their lives during WW2 so you might be able to study about war instead of having to fight in one that makes them the "GREATEST".

 

My mother was a 4th grade schoolteacher in Linden, NJ, on that day. She still talks about everyone, students, teachers, faculty, going to the auditorium for prayers on that horrible day.
My godfather landed there on June 8, 1944. He drove an equipment filled truck across France, following the infantry. Talked about it until the end of his days, sixty years later.

 

Declaration of independence right?

 

And today, because of what they did, I will NEVER own a Japanese car. Out of respect for those that died in Pearl, I won't let my kids own one either. It actually disgusts me when I see people driving them.


I 100% agree with that statement...my dad who enlisted in the navy when he was 17, in 1942 or 43. was on a ship in a task force heading west out of san diego when they dropped the bomb. and to quote him " It didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out where we were going" my dad is still with us and all I can get out of him about "the war" is the memories of shore leave and screwing around.......not much on the action he was involved in

 

This is hard for me.
My Dad passed away 20 years ago this year. He was part of the D Day invasion. He was with the 1st Division (the Big Red 1) and he would never really tell any stories about the war. He wouldn't give details about anything. He did say the landing craft that he came a shore in took a direct hit (from maybe a mortor shell) and only 17 of them made it onto the beach. He would always say "I knew my life was in God's hands after that".
Here was a guy that was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, and a Marksman Medal among others and refused to talk about any personal accounts of the war. I can only imagine what memories tormented my Dad's insides. So many of the WWII vets have passed away and there are so few personal accounts of the war. A major part of American history is about to be lost forever. Because it's so many years ago it really doesn't seem to matter except to only a hand full of people. Most of the newscasts didn't even acknowledge the D Day Anniversary. They're too busy reporting on celebrity screw ups.
So sad.........
God bless our troops. God bess America!

 

 

you're joking, right?

 

Yes. USMC vet. Big history buff. I can only laugh at a society that knows every detail of actors yet can't tell you who Audie Murphy or Chesty Puller is.

 

My Dad and my Father in law were in Europe during WW2. I remember my father in law saying, never forget June 6th. It changed world history forever.
Hats off to the greatest generation!

 

My Dad served in the Russian Army as a Tank Commander from 1940-1945, his Brother was as a Boeing B17 Pilot, never came back after his 3rd mission to Germany.
• WWII: 1.1 million Canadians served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, 45,000 lost their lives and another 54,000 were wounded.
• D-Day Normandy On 6 June 1944, the 3rd Canadian Division landed on Juno Beach in the Battle of Normandy, sustained heavy casualties. The Canadians had penetrated deeper into France than either the British or the American troops at their landing sites.

My Dad always would bring up D-Day Normandy 6 June 1944.

 

I was talking to my brother about some of this stuff today and almost everyone in our neighborhood and family was involved in WWII. my best buddies dad was in the battle of the bulge, another neighbors dad was an army ranger, one of my dads friends was a B-17 pilot. an uncle on my moms side was a ball turret gunner on a B-17. another of my dads friends was in the south pacific and got a medal or two. the most amazing thing about it was the fact that none of them said a whole lot about it, almost downplaying the whole experience. none of them thought they did anything special or out of the ordinary as far as I can tell........that's why I thing they were and are the greatest generation

 

My father served in the BIG ONE and as kids growing up we were reminded of it often. Younger generation now have know idea the sacrifices that were made during those times, but are befitting form it now. I thank him and all who served in our military.
We would not have the things we have today without there sacrifices.
God bless America!!!!!!!!!

 

The greatest generation..and responsible for many of us baby boomers.

kdf