June 6, 1944 – D-Day!

In preparation for the invasion, artillery equipment is loaded aboard LCTS at an English port. Brixham, England.
1 June 1944. Photo by Nehez. SC206438

Today, June 6, 2014, marks the 70^th anniversary of the military term D-Day which a planned military operation began. June 6, 1944, was the day that allied forces joined together to take the fight to their enemies in Western Europe. The US, with the British and Canadian forces, some 156,000 of them landed on five beaches spreading along a 50-mile stretch of France’s Normandy area. It took a great deal of planning to deceive the Germans of the invasion but it worked. Nevertheless, there were thousands of casualties and some 4,000 plus deaths.  These brave people gave their all so that we can have the freedom we have now. Franklin D. Roosevelt was President at the time but died in 1945. It was the time that WWII was coming to an end.

Despite the freedoms, we have some of us have taken them to the extreme.  We disrespect our current President publicly with no apologies because of free speech.  Even though if we had lost the war would our free speech be abolished?  Would I be able to write this blog?  We have the right to bear arms but in some areas in America we can flaunt it in the government’s face and take our guns in public settings not under threat but intimidating to others. What will happen when good guys stand their ground against other good guys? Will a misunderstanding be resolved peacefully or with gunplay? How many innocent people will be affected? What do we do when our politicians are more concerned about their personal interests than for the people? The real winners are the arms dealers. They promote fear and increase gun sales. A vote is a powerful weapon when you have thousands, it can change the political environment. Let's hope people use common sense.

The President is facing more controversy for trading a soldier for five terrorists. I don’t have the complete details on how Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was captured and the reasons behind it. It seems that he might not get a hero's welcome. He might not receive anything favorable. But he is home! As for the terrorists, have we forgotten the drones? If anything, those guys will be looking over their shoulders as long as they live.  Our combat soldiers returning home will carry much more than that for the rest of their lives.  They lost friends, fellow soldiers and seen things they couldn't help but see.  The VA and their families will have to deal with PTSD and other mental disorders that can put those soldiers on the edge. Pray that they don't commit suicide or homicides.

We also need to be concerned about the shootings and stabbings here in America. There is a litany of murders taking place across college campuses and homes.  First Responders have to be extremely careful while carrying out their duties.  I wonder if those soldiers who died for this country in past and current wars expected this kind of reaction from the people and country they died for.