The United States of America

[dlndavid]

I have visited Arlington also, but I would really like to visit Normandy someday..that would be awesome.

We got lost looking for Arlington, I'm sorry we missed it. But we'll be back.

 

[Hank49]

In my father's behalf, thank you. It's amazing what that generation of people endured. And what they sacrificed. I forget the rate at which the remaining soldiers of WW2 are passing now each day but it won't be long before none are left. My sister has a book and a map of my father's route through France in Nineteen F'n 44, as he and his buddies called it.

 

[CheddarChick]

I wish more people would understand and honor the generations that made us free and kept us safe. Worldwide so many have given the ultimate gift, And on election day we should honor them again by voting. Thank you all vets & enlisted members.

 

[snepdiver]

I would just like to add, My Grandmother worked two jobs. During the day for the FBI in California,Listening to audio tapes. In the evening she worked in a factory making parts for weapons. All while my Grandfather was in the Pacific. I would like to THANK ALL who served then and now in any form.

 

[Cacia]

Having returned from a trip to Normandy, France where we spent several days visiting the beaches of D-Day I can only say what should be said more:

Thank you.

I want to aplogize for calling you a socialist.

YOU are welcome.

I made that trip two summers ago...retracing someone's steps Iceland, London, Normandy. It was a big eye-opener for me. They had a good little museum at the Normandy Beach.

A lot of old timers came out in France and, with tears in their eyes, thanked the Vet we were with. I heard so many negatives about the French and experienced the opposite.

 

[Peter Guy]

The summer of 2004 saw my family taking a vacation in Southern France. We visited the Rhone Cemetery and there was a Laying of the Wreath ceremony. All the Vets in the group (several) were asked to take part -- there wasn't a dry eye in the place. My Dad was one (at 87). While he and his ship weren't at the invasion in Southern France, they were at Normandy.

Here is one of the pics of the Rhone US Cemetery:

 

[DandyDon]

Outstanding Peter Guy - thanks. Would like to see more of those pics if you have a Yahoo album or somewhere I could look?

Shortly after my dad married his second wife in 1990, he decided he wanted to show her his carrier: he was a Seagoing Marine on the Intrepid. My sis went along with them to NYC, but called ahead to let them know a veteran of that very ship was coming home. They did a bang-up job of giving him the VIP treatment, I'm told. Sad, no pics of the day. With digital, I would have shot a hundred.

I see where they tried to move the now floating museum for a multi-million dollar fix-up but got her stuck in the mud, waiting for another very high tide in December.

I have an interesting clip of motorized Marines counter attacking an ambush in the sandbox somewhere. Not at all office-friendly with sound on, as Marines are prone to use expletives. Anyone who would like to see it, email DandyDon@ScubaBoard.com with "Scubaboard - Marine Clip" in Subj line as I get so much spam via that address.

 

[Tamas]

...but as we all know it, it was not only the Americans that fought and died in that war or at Normandy. So I would have to say an even bigger Kudos to all the Canadians, Brits, Polish, French.....the Allies, also those that have been in the war since day one and fought until the end.

Also, say a prayer to family/friends lost on both sides of the war.....they will ALL be remembered

 

[Toolbox-13]

God Bless our Troops and Semper Fi to all Marines...

 

[almitywife]

... So I would have to say an even bigger Kudos to all the Canadians, Brits, Polish, French.....the Allies, also those that have been in the war since day one and fought until the end.

EDITED as i have been requested to by another SB'er


El & Peter... extraordinary visit... i hope to be as blessed one day to walk those lands and be able to give my thanks