D Day

They clearly needed each other to experience peace – Mark Nepo

On this day in 1944, many of your Fathers and Grandfathers stormed the beaches of Normandy, France to commence Operation Overlord. An invasion that ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Western Europe. Young men, our Children’s age, from America, Britain and Canada laid their lives on the line as they stormed the beaches, code named: Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword. An estimated ten thousand casualties were suffered.

At the same time, the American Pacific Fleet departed Pearl Harbor for the invasion of Saipan in the Mariana Islands. It was during that battle that my Dad suffered a near fatal wound, as a bullet pierced his breast.

I have always been in awe of the men and Women of this Greatest Generation. They sacrificed, so that we may thrive. The Courage it took to jump from those Higgins boats, fly and parachute out of those rickety aircraft and scale the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc is unfathomable.

I am the last of eleven children; Five and half years younger than the tenth. For my whole life, I have thanked God that Dad was one of the lucky ones who made it through. I’ve also always worried that generations younger than mine would forget what those brave Souls did for us. The events in Washington DC yesterday seem to say my fears were well founded.

The majority of us have not donned a uniform and risked our lives to give the future of our Nation and World a chance to survive. To those of you that have, thank You. My respect for the armed forces and appreciation for the protection they have given us is indescribable. I’m heartbroken by the actions and disrespect of a few.

Years ago, I followed the Overlord trail throughout the countryside of France. Walked on every beach, but Juno. Stood in the massive bomb craters at Pointe Du Hoc. Visited the Church at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, where our Paratroopers were picked off mercilessly as they drifted to the ground, blown off course by mis-judged winds. I Walked across Pegasus Bridge, with chills running over every inch of me and stopped at every little roadside museum. Finally, I visited every cemetery (both German and American) I passed; Prayed for Every Soul.

On this day, as many of us enjoy the world starting to open back up, I want to express my gratitude for our Heroes of World War II; Those with us and gone. The events of this day changed the course of history and our lives forever. Teach your Children, so They may teach theirs.

With the Deepest Respect and Thanks

William Joseph Nelson