70 years ago today at 3:00 AM 160,000 allied troops boarded over 6,000 ships to cross the English Channel to secure a gateway into mainland Europe against the Nazis. By 5:25 AM the first wave was hitting the beaches to include General Teddy Roosevelt Jr, who at the time was 56 years old. Once enough people were on the beaches, the Germans opened up with machineguns, mortars, and artillery decimating the allies. As more and more allies were being massacred, the Navy sent its destroyers to only 800 yards off the beach and used their 5" guns to silence the bunkers and pillboxes. Only then were the soldiers able to make it off the beach. By sunset the Nazi defenders had been either overrun, captured or killed. This one operation was the beginning of the end for the German Army. Over 9000 allies died on this one day. Of the allied casualties, 2,499 of those men, whose average age was 22, were American. Please remember this is part of the price of freedom.
"You are about to embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you...I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle." Gen Dwight D. Eseinhower
Just posted this to facebook... You wanna talk about the greatest of all time...you want to discuss who played with the flu and not with cramps. You want to riddle the social media pages with debates and opinions and self absorbed statements....NOT THIS DAY. This day should be all about the brave few that on June 6, 1944 boarded ships and planes for one of the most boldest and bravest attacks in our modern history. Many knew the chances of them getting just a mere step off their boat would be a challenge and actually reaching the beach a dream...many of them died that day not knowing if the goal was accomplished and the beach overtaken. And while the sand and water swallowed them up their brother in arms took their spot without hesitation and resolve to get closer to the goal for their brother. That is why we must never forget the sacrifice they and so many other's have made. That is why we must make their sacrifice not be in vain. That is why we remember. That is why we honor them....and that is why WE MUST NOT ALLOW OURSELVES TO FORGET! You wanna talk about the greatest of all time....no one who you bring up can compete with those that fight/fought and give their lives for your ability to have those discussions. They are #GOAT no question....end of discussion. May we never forget.
Greatest Generation for sure. A time when men dropped their lives and put the Flag before them. Cheers to the Greatest Generation. And to my Grandfather.
This was a generation of Americans that knew without protection of our freedoms there are no freedoms. It wasn't about them as individuals it was about us as a nation. The generations that followed somehow missed that class and cannot fathom giving up something of their own to protect their friends and families. If it helps, go to the National D Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. This little town lost more soldiers per capita than any other town in America.
Respect to my grandfather as well brother. "Fred R. Tillett Jr. 89 of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away Saturday March 24, 2012. He was born January 24, 1923 in Kingsport, TN the son of Fred R. and Sally Agee Tillett. Mr.Tillett was a retired pilot and Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Air Force serving his country during W.W.II, Korean War and Vietnam War."
My real father, who lied about his age so he could enlist. He was a seabee during WWII. Hard to imagine a war like that today. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Definitely can't imagine, and its really a shame those guys are almost all gone. Unless you've talked to one of them people these days will never know what it was like. I've actually been to Normandy and walked around and looked out over the beach. It really was a amazing place and even being there was hard to fathom what that day was like.
So I walk in to work yesterday morning and see a sign posted on the door from our director. It read: "This is national Donut day, Free donuts in the breakroom." I was at once bewildered, offended and angered... and wasn't even sure why. I sat down at my desk and prayed for direction. Should I let this pass? Should I speak up? Should I get creative? I chose the latter and posted Eisenhower's short letter of address to the troops. I see Archer posted an excerpt. Here's the letter in it's entirety. With the e-mail sent to all... I reminded them that many of our fathers and grandfathers fought in that terrible war. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude. Over 20,000 Americans fell that day, I am told... yet those who could; kept going... climbing over the bodies of their fallen friends... pressing on, knowing not when a bullet or mortar would find them... they pushed on, not for money or fame but because they believed we today were worth fighting for. Anyway... whoever declared "National Donut Day"... I am no longer angered at them... saddened for them... that they would marginalize such a great day of sacrifice. Just wanted to get it off my chest... thanks for reading... I love you guys.
