OT-Remember June 6th

[C130Herkload]

I know that this is quite a bit off topic, but tomorrow I'll be heading out to the Normandy region in northern France for the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the 6th. While your there in the states, please remember those who are buried in a far off land that never made it home (and there are thousands). My squadron flys the commemoration each year to honor our fallen and remember this event in our history. This year will be no different with 16 aircraft from around Europe and the states participating.

We'll drop the Army on the actual drop zones used on the invasion night near Ste. Mere Eglise along with several nations over four days followed by multiple flyovers and ceremonies. Its a huge event to say the least. We'll meet D-day veterans (think Band of Brothers) and get to hear many a story along the way. Please keep the fallen, the survivors and those in harms way around the world in your thoughts and prayers this weekend.

[Popps]

Will-do. Props for your service, C130!

[elsid13]

Real cool celebration.

[sirhcyennek81]

D-Day

Seasickness, fear
As the beach draws near
Overhead artillery booms
Illuminating Normandy’s morning
With the first flashes of battle.

The armada of a thousand ships
Create fear and resolution
in German defenders
Hope in French hearts ignite
Their resistance emerges into light,
Civilians pray these liberators prevail
In this the alllies
Greatest gamble

Soldiers in landing craft don their gear
Say final prayer,
Bullets all 'round them
Pierce the air
Announcing the enemy.

Landing craft door slaps turbulent surf
Men leap into too deep waters
Amid terrible fire
Many taken by heavy loads
Or enemy fire
To a watery death.

Survivors bravely wade to shore,
Amid bullets, shellfire,
the blood and bodies of comrades.

Luckier men achieve meagre shelter
Scrambling to the sea wall,
Compelled by an officer shouting
“Only the dead and the soon to be dead
will remain on these beaches under fire.”

D-Day, June 6 1944.
Shall this spearhead
Initiate war’s end?
What future for the world
Shall this day portend?

Freedoms that we now enjoy
Born from D-Day’s terrible labour
Creating debt to soldiers living and dead
That can never be repaid.
Except that we are thankful,
And promise never to forget

Malcolm Watts 2004

[C130Herkload]

SUPREME HEADQUATERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
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. The hopes and prayers of libertyloving
people everywhere march with you. In company with
our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts,
you will bring about the destruction of the German war
machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed
peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free
world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is
well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened.
He will fight savagely.
But this is the year I944 ! Much has happened since the
Nazi triumphs of I940-4I. The United Nations have inflicted
upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle,
man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced
their strength in the air and their capacity to wage
overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of
war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained
fighting men. The tide has turned ! The free men of
the world are marching together to Victory !
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to
duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less
than full Victory !
Good Luck ! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty

God upon this great and noble undertaking.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commanding

[Lycan]

I always remember June 6th because it's my birthday but I'll remember it double this year!

[Seamus]

Quite a experience that I wish to attend some time in my life time. Your second picture of the American Cemetery near Omaha Beach with the 9,387 American military tomb stones brings strong memories seeing the visual representation of the life lost during this battle.

Get choked up at the end of Private Ryan as he stands in this cemetery.

Nothing like the C130 (C 1 dirty) flyin work horse buzzin by. Have four years keeping those things in the air. However for the time the brits need to have their Spitfire & Hurricane, with American P-40 Warhawk, & Thunderbolt.

Enjoy the experience!

[Spider]

D Day very bold move ........

[TDmvp]

Never Forget those that gave up so much for the freedom of others .

[TDmvp]

and thank you C130Herkload.

[broncosteven]

I always remember Dday and Perl Harbor day.

It is cool to know someone involved in the service.

I really want to make it to Europe and vist a bunch of the US cemetarys.

REP to you.

[Garcia Bronco]

Amazing People. Amazing Generation.

[broncosteven]

The longest Day should be required reading in HS, one kick ass book, the movie could have been better but it is still a must watch when on.

[C130Herkload]

Originally Posted by Seamus

Quite a experience that I wish to attend some time in my life time. Your second picture of the American Cemetery near Omaha Beach with the 9,387 American military tomb stones brings strong memories seeing the visual representation of the life lost during this battle.

This will be my second yr attending. The photos are from last yr, taken while flying in a two ship formation. Talk about fun!
The first is taken at Pont du Hoc. Imagine having to scale those cliffs like the Rangers! Huge gun battery on top.
The second as you said was the cemetery. We did several passes there as well, many directly overhead. Crowd pleasers.
The third is taken at "Iron Mike" DZ near St Mere Eglise. There is a giant Bronze statue of a jumper heading out. The French have officially adopted all of the D Day names since the invasion (Omaha, Utah, Gold, Sword beaches, and "Iron Mike" etc)
Glad you enjoyed them. Ill post some in about a week from this yrs events.

[Dagmar]

[Mediator12]

I hope your drops go much better than the Airborne and Pathfinders did. And, I thank you for your service. June 6th is a special day for sure.

[GreatBronco16]

Big salute to you sir.

[TheManeMan]

[BroncoDoug]

Amazing. I will never forget

[broncocalijohn]

I love the history of our country and WW2 is one of my favorites. History channel (reg and International) have been running goodies on D-Day. The original date was going to be June 5th but bad weather backed it up. Eisenhower wanted it 5th or 6th or 14th or 15th of June based on weather patterns. On the 16th of June (or 17th) a huge storm came through that slowed down the war effort for supplies and equipment. If the actual D-Day was the 14th or 15th, the war might have had a different scenario (probably not the outcome) based on troops not getting supplies only days after they landed. Band of Brothers does a great job showing from the paratroopers view from the jump the night before and of course the D-Day battle. Good luck and take some pics and post them here. I hope the French still remember that our efforts and those of Canada and Great Britain kept those locals from speaking German right about now.

[C130Herkload]

Actually the French are very hospitable to all parties represented there during the commemorations(even the Germans-yes they do show up). Ive never had an issue with any of them. They are very aware of thier own history believe it or not and are respectful of the sacrifices made on thier behalf....at least in the Normandy region. Never had an issue.

[dsmoot]

I salute the memories of those who never had the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice so that I could. I feel that our childrens generation is detached from the emotion of that sacrifice. As we see the last of the WW2 servicemen pass away, let us go out of our way to honor those who still remain with appreciation and tremendous respect. Time is very short.

This goes equally well for those who served in Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars.

The most amazing conversation I have ever had was with a man who has now passed away but took the time to tell me about his experience in liberating a concentration camp near the war's end. I will treasure that moment forever.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Ten years ago I lived next door to an old codger who I usually saw puttering around in his garden in the mornings or clipping his hedges, walking his dog or sitting on the porch swing with his wife. He was a source of mild amusement given how slow he moved, and I wondered at his age why he was still living alone, and driving a car at that. He seemed better suited for being stashed somewhere safe and sound.

One day I found out he was written up in a book on WW II...one of the GI's who stormed the beaches at Normandy, ran head long into enemy fire and took out multiple enemy machine gun placements and dragged comrades to safety amidst a hail of bullets. I couldn't believe this old man who looked so feeble was once a tough as nails Marine who helped kick the Nazis out of France.

The Greatest Generation deserves all our respect.

[Jens1893]

Originally Posted by broncocalijohn

I love the history of our country and WW2 is one of my favorites. History channel (reg and International) have been running goodies on D-Day. The original date was going to be June 5th but bad weather backed it up. Eisenhower wanted it 5th or 6th or 14th or 15th of June based on weather patterns. On the 16th of June (or 17th) a huge storm came through that slowed down the war effort for supplies and equipment. If the actual D-Day was the 14th or 15th, the war might have had a different scenario (probably not the outcome) based on troops not getting supplies only days after they landed. Band of Brothers does a great job showing from the paratroopers view from the jump the night before and of course the D-Day battle. Good luck and take some pics and post them here. I hope the French still remember that our efforts and those of Canada and Great Britain kept those locals from speaking Russian right about now.

Fixed it.

In mid 1944 the Wehrmacht was defeated on the Eastern front and the war was lost for Hitler. I am fairly certain the Red Army wouldn´t have stopped in Berlin if they had had a chance to advance further West.

[Dukes]

Thanks for creating this thread. D-Day is one of the most important days in American Military history. And world history as well.