Eighty years ago today, American soldiers landed on a beach far from home and climbed steep cliffs to successfully complete an important mission. They had trained specifically for the task. Little did they know that the element of surprise they had so hoped for would be negated by the elements and that they would face machine gun fire and German grenades from the cliffs above. In spite of the heavy resistance, they continued on. What the small group of Rangers did on June 6, 1944 represents the best of what happened that day.
Even though I was not yet born, and even though none of the men who survived the climb that day are still alive, I am deeply appreciative of the gift that they were a part of giving me that day. Freedom in any form comes at a price. Some of the time that price can be very high. I am thankful for the men who were there that day.
Chris Reimers
The following videos give more information about the events of that day for those who may be interested:
Wings of the Wind 
June 6 is the anniversary of my worst day and in Iraq when I was in the Marines. I can imagine thousands of soldiers dying all in one day during D day.
I’m sorry to hear that, Pastor Jim. I know that the events of D-Day caused nightmares for many for decades. And that was for those who made it home. Of course, many didn’t come home, and their families and the nation mourned for them. I think of all of them on June 6th.
Thank you for your comment and God’s blessings…
I think of D Day every year too
There were quite good programs on the 6th on tv here in Norway too, about D-Day in 1942 and about the commemoration this year in France. It meant everything to us, our countries and our societies and civilisation. The older I get, the more I think I understand of what it must have been like to stand in such a vital fight.
Marianne
Hi Marianne!
I would expect that most of Europe had similar tv programs. So many men of that generation have died. It is appropriate that we remember them in our thoughts on June 6th.
It is nice to hear from you. I hope all is well with the good people of Norway.
God’s blessings…
My grandpa was a sapper in the Canadian army landing at Normandy.
Shortly after securing the area a sniper shot him in the eye. The bullet was lodged in his head for the next thirty years.
He came home and met grandma and they got married
Wow. What a great story. Thankfully, he survived his D-Day experience as you wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t. I am so glad he had another thirty years after that.
Sappers had some of the most strenuous jobs of all. I am thankful for men like your grandfather. Where would we be today without men like him?
My father lived most of his life without decent hearing after a bomb exploded close to him in the Korean War. He lived with a metal plate in his forehead and two pieces of shrapnel near his brain the rest of his life. I am honored to have his purple heart in my bottom drawer (That’s where he used to keep it.)
How blessed we are to have known wonderful men like this.
Thank you for sharing, ropheka, and may God bless you…
I’ve watched all the videos you posted, Chris – you have selected them well. It all puts our concerns with the troubles of today into a wider perspective.
Thank you for your kind words, Marianne. As I watched them, I had similar thoughts. That part of history puts todays troubles into a wider perspective, indeed. I can only hope that videos like this on the anniversary of D-Day will help the younger generations to see the sacrifices their countrymen made to keep us free.
God’s blessings…