Making History Project – Veteran Oral History Preserving Veterans’ Stories
Today’s post is in tribute to the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion by the Allies during World War II that began the liberation of Europe. This represented the single largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. The task was daunting not only in terms of the operational coordination required but also in the fact that it was taking place on the heavily defended Atlantic Wall.
The invasion from the sea was preceded first by paratroopers that were dropped in the darkness behind enemy lines to secure important bridges, chokeholds, and towns to facilitate the push inland from those arriving on the beaches. Despite carefully laid plans, many of the paratroopers missed their drop zones and were scattered throughout the French countryside.
Many of the World War II Veterans that I have interviewed were paratroopers, infantrymen, medics, engineers, or were part of the Coast Guard that participated on D-Day. A sample of some of those oral history interviews can be found here. These interviews not only preserve an important part of history but also provide the Veteran and their family with an everlasting memory.
Let us not forget their sacrifice. Those that gave all, as well as those that were wounded and remain scarred to this day. Remember freedom is not free. We are free because of the brave and the blood that was paid.
