Personal tribute to the men and women of D-Day 2011

[Walt's Daughter]

Personal tribute to the men and women of D-Day 2011

 

67 years ago today....

 

67 years ago today, upon the high waters' wings they came,

67 years ago today, searching for the unknown the paths to pave,

67 years ago today, shrouds of mist scorched by heaven's flame,

67 years ago today, invisible hands split open the beckoning waves.

 

67 years ago today, from within themselves they rose, facing their fears,

67 years ago today, soaked screams stilled by silent prayers of despair,

67 years ago today, vague silhouettes of men, surrendering silver tears,

67 years ago today, washed away the horrors carried on that morning air.

 

67 years ago today, thousand brave hearts, seamlessly melted into one,

67 years ago today, condemned childhood hid deep within the crimson sand,

67 years ago today, tousled signs of hope lay heavy like ancient stone,

67 years ago today, sculptured from deep inside by freedom's hand.

 

67 years ago today, sighs of desperation became victory's battle cry,

67 years ago today, sentiments of determination grew with each life that fell,

67 years ago today, weary eyes relating tales that lips learned to deny,

67 years ago today, tender tears sealed the remembrance of images they tell.

 

67 years ago today, memories loom up in their heartrending gaze.

67 years ago today, remembering those left behind, sets the heart ablaze.

67 years ago today, forever seduced, falling into the beach's embrace,

67 years ago today, upon their memory, a rose I shall humbly place.

 

Thank you for all your sacrifices......

 

 

Words by Frank C. Everards - Copyright 2004 - 2011

 

[Dogdaddy]

Thanks for sharing that wonderful tribute Marion. I have been watching (again)"Surviving D-Day" on the History channel this morning. My God...I cannot wrap my mind around the horrific events on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944! I am also thinking about the two D-Day veterans I once had the honor of communicating with by mail (both) and by telephone (1)...Hu Riley and Len Lomell. Both of them were wounded on D-Day and both stayed in the fight even after being wounded. Sgt. Leonard Lomell was with Company D, 2nd Ranger Battalion. After receiving a bullet wound in his left side, he scaled the cliffs of Point Du Hoc and with the help of Sgt. Jack Kuhn destroyed a battery of four 155mm guns before the Germans were able to use them. Not every soldier received notoriety for their part in the success of D-Day but every soldier, sailor and airman that took part in this invasion is a real hero to me.. God Bless them all.

[Walt's Daughter]

May they also serve to remind us how good we have it and to be forever grateful for their unselfish service.

[Mike Hinkle]

Thank you for posting that. I too would to thank and remember all the service personnel who stormed the beaches, the people who got them there, the families of dead, wounded and survivors. So many people gave some and too many gave all!

[Jeeper704]

A day or so before the 67th Anniversary of D-Day, I received a letter from my friend Jim (James).

He is doing ok, but has some health problems.

Jim was an assault engineer in the third wave at Omaha Beach.

 

When 06.06.2011 started, I couldn't help but thinking of both Jim and Mike.

Mike was a Ranger who went ashore on Charlie Beach (Vierville).

He probably was part of the Ranger/Infantry force that took out the German artillery battery at Grandcamp-Maisy.

I'm afraid Mike sadly passed away as contact (via letters) has stopped.

 

Maybe it is my age (40), but all day long I felt sad, a bit sick in my stomache and I also felt like someone dropped some weight on my shoulders..

I watched some of the few D-Day documentaries and looked at a view clips on Youtube as well.

Often during that day, I wished I could have been on the beach but hopefully soon I might have the opportunity to go and visit the places they were at back in 1944 again.

 

Erwin

[Walt's Daughter]

You are welcome Mike. I appreciate your post.

 

Erwin, I share your passion, as I'm sure many others do. I wish more people around the world felt the same way and could appreciate the sacrifice and the loss.