June 6, 1944 Normandy France

Thank you for the reminder of this important day. On this site in the past, we've tried to remember all those who died on that day, from all countries, both men and women, soldiers and civilians.

AMEN!!

Good of you to post this Barry. I've been thinking of this anniversary for several days now. My Dad was a part of the invasion. My gratitude and my thoughts are with all the brave souls that were there.

Barry, I definitely agree that we owe them a lot and certainly a Prayer! One of my Uncles was overseas during WW-2, so there's a bit of a personal connection for me. I always remember this day, and a few others as well (ie: Dec. 7th).

Thanks for the reminder. I am forever changed by my trip to Normandy this year. What a different world this could be.

I say AMEN as well. We found the lower level of the visitor center at the Normandy cemetery to be even more moving than the cemetery itself. That is why I warn people not to go to the cemetery close to a major anniversary because the visitor center is closed on the big dates. We have the flexibility of traveling by car and I feel it is an obligation on every trip to stop at one of the American cemeteries to pay our respects. While many of the markers only mark the former graves of bodies the have been re-interred in the U.S. we should remember that the crosses marked "Unknown Comrade In Arms" mark the spot where the remains of some American GI will spend eternity. WE OWE THEM!

A few days in Normandy should be made mandatory for all Americans and Canadians who travel to Europe.

Maybe we could all spare a minute or two to think of the more than 50,000 young German men left behind to be buried as the German army retreated.

Michael 1, "A few days in Normandy should be made mandatory for all Americans and Canadians who travel to Europe." I agree! After taking a "Canadian Highlights" tour in Normandy and visiting some of the areas where our troops fought, I felt a sense of enormous gratitude and respect for what they endured. While all the allied forces faced tough conditions, the battles fought by Canadians were some of the worst, especially those involving the 12th SS Panzer in places like Authie, Le Mesnil Patry, Verriere's Ridge and of course the terrible incident at the Abbaye d'Ardenne. Visiting those places was a vey sombre experience (especially the Abbey).

And remember that Friday marks the anniversary of the massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane which was in reaction to the D-Day invasions.