In a world that seems to have almost vanished I visited the American Military Cemeteries in France. If I had traveled there in the more recent past I would have taken at least 100 photographs and have an album on Facebook, but on that trip in 1985 I may have taken a dozen pictures and if I was lucky, one or two of them were clear. Of that long ago trip to the Normandy beaches this lone photograph remains.
But what remains with the photograph are my memories and feelings. I was thirty five that summer, but I realized that the heros of Normandy -- or Anzio or the Pacific -- were in many cases just slightly more than half my age. They stormed beaches under fire, went through jungles, or in my father's case, fought through at least one bitter winter in Europe. My father came home, but these soldiers didn't. To them, and those who went before them and to those who followed them and continue to follow, we owe the freedoms we enjoy.
Thank you doesn't begin to express the gratitude I felt on a July day in Normandy. It still doesn't express the gratitude I feel thirty one years later.
In gratitude and remembrance.
12 comments
Lovely and thoughtful tribute!
Hi, Carol!
This is a beautiful memory and I am thankful as well for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in this nation. Thank you for the kind comment on my post about Viet Nam. The cousin visited Viet Nam with a group of five marines and an ABC crew who took the journey with them; they are working on a documentary which will air on Veteran's Day in November.
Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend!
Mary
precious memory
You were actually there - golly
I can't even imagine the enormity of it all -
that so many have been willing to give themselves, so I can share with you - so we can live in a free nation -
so we may continue to have HOPE for a better world.
yes, Thank You . . it's all i have . . it will never be enough . . .
A wonderful tribute on a special day.
My husband grandfathers 3 brothers are buried there...thank you Carol. BLESSINGS
That had to have been a very heart stirring trip. I've only seen pictures. We can never say Thank You enough.
Beautiful! Have a blessed week ahead, HUGS!
Yes.. "thank you" seems inadequate to the men and women that have sacrifice to ensure our freedoms. Never the less... I thank each and every one of them, and their families too.
{{hugs}}
~K.
What a beautiful memory to share for Memorial Day. Thank you.
Perfectly put, m'friend.
I'm in awe, how you words convey so much emotion in so few words. (But I'm mighty glad you do!)
Thank you Carol. I loved seeing this picture. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
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