It was the greatest invasion ever. I don't think we'll ever see another thing like it. Yes, we saw massive numbers land in Korea, and then in a different sort of a way in the Gulf, but you can't tell me there is going to be another event like D-Day.
I guess I am in a World War II state of mind, having gone on the Honor Flight recently. I have always been a history buff and enjoying learning and reading about World War II. I remember as a kid, sitting on the floor of the library reading books about Midway or talking to guys who served in the war. It made the military advocate that I am today and instilled a love of country and patriotism at a young age.
But next month will be 70 years that D-Day occurred. Like I said above, I don't think we'll ever see anything like it again. Wars just aren't fought in the same way and thank goodness for that. It was a bloodbath. I don't know how anyone can watch the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan without sweating or having your heart race a bit. And that's a movie. Not real. The terror and the courage of those young men who waded ashore that day can't be minimized or even imagined.
The paper is going to be doing stuff on the 70th anniversary so if you know of anyone who was there, if you have a good story to share, let us know by emailing me at akravetz@pjstar.com or calling me at 309-686-3283.
To get you in the mindset, here's the start of a terrific package from Stars and Stripes. Great stuff.