It comes along so closely after Memorial Day.
What can one say?
The years and decades pass and memories and impressions and awareness fade for many.
It happens. It is natural. Think of all the anniversaries which have transitioned from commemoration to vague mentioning or to no mentioning at all.
But D-Day still is a biggie with some: the veterans themselves and with folks who have found it to be a meaningful part of their … historical makeup. Awkward phrase.
At any rate, what can one say about such an anniversary?
It was a significant event. That is not sufficient. It was one of the most significant events in history. And it is being forgotten by most people.
History was affected, changed by what the nations and the men and women of nations did on that day and on the days which followed.
Those few folks who read these words know that. And others know it too. But it is being lost in the national consciousness.
Perhaps it is lingering there, in the cultural memories of more folks than I am giving credit to. Perhaps it is a quiet part of our national memories.
I hope so.
At any rate, as a child during WW2 and as an adult now in my sixth decade, very late at night, I wonder what I can say to commemorate such an anniversary.
One thing I can do is to paraphrase a young American thinking about the Americans who hurled themselves against Festung Europa [sp?]:
The one thing that as always haunted me is that in real life…the men were ‘Joe next door.’ A teacher, a country boy, a writer, a lingerie salesman, a farmer. Ordinary men doing extraordinary things.
As a middle-aged male, I remember sitting in church on Sunday, and as the men went to the communion rail, I would ask myself, ‘What did he do in the war? He fixes my dad’s machinery now, but where was he then? Was he a hero?’
I’m sure he was, as were they all.
Another thing I can do is to quote the announcement made to the Invasion Force by the Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower:
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we havestriven 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 onother Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German warmachine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples ofEurope, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, wellequipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats,in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced theirstrength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our HomeFronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitionsof war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men.The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together toVictory!
I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill inbattle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this greatand noble undertaking.
SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Lest we forget.
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