Making History Project – Veteran Oral History Preserving Veterans’ Stories
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.
