This is a Journal entry by FWR

Day at the Beach

Post 1

FWR

Three years ago we toured the beaches of the D Day landings, as mere tourists, paying our respects to family who served in WW2, enjoying the freedom of a long motorcycle ride.

Watching the interviews with the surviving veterans today brings home how very very different their day at the same beaches was.

Thank you just isn't enough.


Day at the Beach

Post 2

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Veterans of that war are likely at least ninety years old now. We no longer have any surviving soldiers from the First World War, and the last remaining ones from WWII may all be gone within twenty years.

Thank them while you have the chance. smiley - smiley


Day at the Beach

Post 3

Dmitri Gheorgheni, Post Editor

A 97-year-old veteran of Normandy parachuted down yesterday. It was pretty amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G00Zh3wTvZU


Day at the Beach

Post 4

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Yes, it's amazing. smiley - ok


Day at the Beach

Post 5

You can call me TC

To those who haven't yet - I recommend that youtube link. The 97 year old looked really strong and fit, and the comments made by the other servicement, young and old, were very apt - the whole thing very moving.


Day at the Beach

Post 6

You can call me TC

Servicemen, I mean.

I haven't seen any of the museums or commemorative areas or cemeteries, although I have been to the Maginot line memorial which is near us.

On Thursday there were plenty of old aeroplanes flying overhead (I was at my mother's in East Anglia) - presumably from the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.

Maybe Dakotas. Apparently, they're on their way out, just as the veterans were.

http://www.forces.net/news/dakotas-duxford-wwii-carrier-planes-prepare-d-day-75

As that young man said in the Youtube clip posted by Dmitri, the D Day effort helped to seal peace in Europe for the ensuing years - up until today.

Why can't the Brexiteers recognise that?


Day at the Beach

Post 7

FWR

Please don't hijack my thread with political comments. This was a thanks to all those who fought for all our freedoms.


Day at the Beach

Post 8

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Our church minister had a son who died during the D-Day invasion. A lot of servicemen took their lives in their hands, knowing that some of them would not make it. smiley - sadface


Day at the Beach

Post 9

You can call me TC

Sorry. What I meant was, as a result of these people's sacrifices, we have been blessed with a (mainly) peaceful Europe for all of our lives.


Day at the Beach

Post 10

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Duly noted. smiley - smiley


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