On the surface, today’s date does not appear to be that special.  Why should it be?  It is merely a Saturday (sunny here in NE MD), a day of rest.

The same can not be said for this date 65 years ago.

Good morning.

As I type this post, it is about 10:30AM EDT – 65 years ago at this time, the first day of the battle for the liberation of Europe was well underway.  The first steps towards bringing down the Nazi reign of terror had been taken.

Over 3,000 Americans died in that first day – over 20,000 Americans died before the original campaign (Operation Overlord) was declared over.

Today, almost 9,400 Americans are buried, facing west towards the United States, in the Normandy American Cemetery, located above Omaha Beach.  Included in those individuals interred is Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt II, the son of the 26th President of the United States.

Roosevelt, despite many infirmities (arthritis and heart problems), had argued vehemently to lead his assigned troops onto Utah Beach, arguing that his presence was necessary to insure that a commander with the “big picture” in mind was present to insure the success of the invasion.  Reluctantly, his commanding officer agreed, fearing he would never see TR alive again (this whole episode is portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day” with Henry Fonda playing TR).

Not only did Roosevelt survive the initial invasion, his presence allowed the landed troops to alter their attack when they were landed more than one mile off-site.  He is known for having uttered famously “The war starts right here” after discovering the error.  For his actions, General Roosevelt was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously, having died of a heart attack one month after the Normandy invasion.

In what I believe is a fitting gesture, the remains of Roosevelt’s brother Quentin, who had died in France in “The War to End all Wars” were reinterred next to his in the Normandy cemetery.

Just last week, we commemorated Memorial Day, remembering all those individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Today, we remember those individuals who fought the ultimate battle to free Europe from the tyranny of Nazism and to rid the world of the danger that existed six plus decades ago.

To all who served in World War II, the number of which is shrinking fast, my eternal graditude.  To my father, whose service in WWII included every major invasion held (he drew maps in Florida for the duration), I remember you this day and every day.  God Bless.

A humble JustJon