D-Day June 6, 2018

2018 D-Day Celebrations
Celebrations in Sainte Mere Eglise

Normandy Where it All Began

It is hard to imagine but it has been eight years since my first trip to Normandy France for D-Day. Today represents the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.

All told, I have been in Normandy three times and it never gets old. To be in the presence of greatness and at the location of such a history-altering event is truly humbling.

It was in this electric atmosphere that I came up with the idea to preserve soldier’s tales through oral history interviews. I only hope that I am doing a good enough job in capturing these stories so as to preserve this lightning in the bottle for future generations.

A Time for Reflection

While there is plenty of pomp and circumstance today, let us not forget the true reason for why we celebrate. Many brave men, sacrificed their youth, blood, limb, mind or their life altogether for the liberation of France. So while beer and wine flow liberally today in Normandy, there should always be at least a tiny moment dedicated towards the somber remembrance for those that did not return. Many a family is missing a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, or husband today.

Never forget their ultimate sacrifice. For as all soldiers know, only the dead know the end of war. May they now rest in peace.

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About Patrick Russell

Director and oral historian for the Making History Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Veteran stories for future generations. Resides in Miami, Florida, where he is a full-time mediator and has been a practicing lawyer since 1994. Proudly serves as a staff member for the University of Florida Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, in addition to being a member of the Oral History Association, American Historical Association; Friends and Family of the 508 P.I.R.; and the Battle of the Bulge Association. Graduated from Marquette University with a B.A. in Political Science, and a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Additional courses and workshops for oral history and museum studies have been taken at Baylor University and Harvard University, Harvard Extension School. Contact info: (305) 608-2977 or patrick@making-history-project.com

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