Normandy Veteran..

[WILMASBOYL78]

Seems like I always run into WW2 Vets at our local Price Chopper store...met a guy last nite in the checkout line who was wearing a D-Day hat. I introduced myself, shook his hand and thanked him for his service to our country. He told me he was 89 years old and only a 19 year old kid when he landed on Omaha Beach! His wife was with him...she was so cute..about 5 foot tall...they told me they have been married for 67 YEARS <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif It was amazing to talk with him and his wife, they were a class act. I told him my dad was in the Navy [SEEBEES] at the end of the war...he said he knew some Navy guys, too. This year is the 70th anniversary of D-Day...he said he and one other soldier were going on a Patriot Flight to Washington for a special ceremony....he has been trying to find other veterans who were there...but, most have passed on <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

Before he left he asked if my dad was still around and I told him know he had passed away...as he started to leave with his wife he turned and said &quot;God Bless Your Father...and Thank God for His Service.&quot;

It took me a minute to get composed and then I went back to &quot;checking out&quot;...the young girl at the register was staring at me because I had kind of held up the line while visiting with the old gentlemen. I asked her if she saw his hat and if she understood what it meant...she gave me a half smile and said ..&quot;I think so&quot;. I told her that she had just met with American history...the kind they don't have in books. Hopefully she understood my meaning...

I don't know who coined the phrase &quot;the greatest generation&quot;...but, they were right on the money.

wilma <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[Woj]

Great story. I doubt most kids these days have a clue what price was paid for their freedom.

&quot;The greatest generation&quot; for sure.

Phil Woj.

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[BJCHEV396]

I was in Normandy 4 years ago.My wife and I began our European holiday there.Leading up to our holiday the tour was the number one thing I was looking forward to.Two of my uncles landed on Juno beach with the Royal Engineers.We started off our guided tour at the cemetery where the opening scene from Saving Private Ryan was filmed.What a sad site to see thousands of white crosses and Stars of David for almost as far as you can see.It was immaculately taken care of as was the Canadian cemetery that we visited after.Sure brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.They WERE the greatest generation and I fear that their sacrafice is fading into history.Today's generation seems to not know or care much.Also my father served in the South Pacific with the R.C.N.

[mockingbird812]

Bill, my father-in-law also landed at Juno, also with the Canadian forces as a combat engineer. He was wounded by shrapnel and convalesced on a small farm near York. Many don't realize that Juno was every bit as devastating to allied forces as Omaha. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[leach]

My dad was in France, Italy, Germany and Africa during the war wis his brother here few pictures from over there including one he took of Humphrey Bogart http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/03/full-3814-10187-dad_germany_1945.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/03/full-3814-10188-german_prisoner.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/03/full-3814-10189-humprey_bogart.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/03/full-3814-10191-my_dad_italy_1944.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/03/full-3814-10192-my_dad_and_his_brother_italy.j

[leach]

My dad in Africa http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/03/full-3814-10194-dad_in_africa.jpg

[Postsedan]

Bill,

Great story, I honor these real hero's and you for sharing it will all of us.

Dan

[BJCHEV396]

The guide took us for a walk on Omaha and Juno.It was a little sureal because the bunkers and some of the gun enplacements are still there and people are having fun in the sun and kids are running around playing.Guess the locals don't even notice.My father didn't talk much about the war but did tell me a story about when his ship picked up Canadian P.O.W.'s who were slave laborers in the Mitsubushi armaments plant.Apparently they looked like the walking dead.The ones who didn't make it were worked,beaten or starved to death.I might be old school but I'll never own a Japanese or German car.I think it just shows a little respect.I know that's it's a different world now but it's just the way that I feel.

[COPO CARTEL]

The bravery shown by those young men is unparalleld as we know it . I am proud to know 2 surviving WW 2 Heroes. Our lives have been forever changed by their commitment to their countries and freedom. If you really desire to understand what real war is about ...ask any Vet that has served ...their version is not dramatized ...but real... as they lived it. Every chance I get ...I thank a Veteran...it is because of their service ...that I live the quality of life that I do today . The other people to be thankful for is their families....for sharing their loved ones lives with us ...not knowing if they would return . May God Bless these special people as they enter the gates of Heaven to rest in peace with those lost over 70 years ago . <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[BJCHEV396]

Very well said Doug.