Remembering Brave Men

[chilipalmer]

May we never forget! Sadly, as the rise of nationalism seems to be growing across the world, I fear that the lessons of WWI and WWII are being lost.

Never, ever, confuse nationalism with National Socialism. Were it not for Winston Churchill standing as the living embodiment of British nationalism, that nation would have been lost. Likewise, were it not for the intense American nationalism particularly manifested in the belief of individual freedom and defiance to totalitarianism and oppression, the United States would likely have simply made peace with Germany, leaving Hitler to pursue his terrible plans.
Cheers,
Chili

 

[kcghost]

They were truly heroes.

 

[ssjones]

A raised pipes to those brave men indeed.
If you ever have the opportunity to go to the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, don't pass it up. They have WWII vets on the main floor that you can speak to about their experiences. The landing boats were made in New Orleans. On our last visit, I was able to chat with a landing boat pilot, amazing. I had my WWII veteran father with me on that trip, the museum folks saw his hat and gave him a privately guided tour. He was near blind by that point, so they let him handle many of the items on display. The Imax film narrated by Tom Hanks is pretty moving. We hadn't considered the impact to my mother, a WWII refuge, who was drive from her home in Hungary by the Nazi's, then again by the Russians to avoid Communist rule. She started crying after the film and all the spectators wanted to know what was wrong. She told them her story, so that was a pretty incredible experience as well.
RIP those who gave their all.

 

[mikethompson]

I tried finding it in my all my stuff, but I did find a small pocket bible at a junk store once which was given to British troops in WWII. The first page had a little inscription from the King as well as the words to the three National Anthems (British, American and Soviet). The things that little book must have went through.

 

[mso489]

Hearing those surviving D-Day vets tell about their experiences, the shear misery and narrow escapes, and all the death they saw, redefines heroism.

 

[tenton]

Going to try my first attempt at adding a photo, why does it have to be so complicated.
Anyway here's a photo of my dad at Normandy.
He was in the Navy and drove one of the small landing craft boats at D-day.

 

[ssjones]

What an amazing contribution to history Tenton! I hope that picture is storied somewhere safely (and every family member has a reprint)