A Note of Thanks

Recently, my husband and I had the opportunity to travel to Normandy, France where we spent the day touring the beaches and memorials of D-Day. Over 80 years ago, American and other Allied soldiers stormed the coast of France which ultimately created a decisive path towards victory over the destruction and devastation of Hilter’s rule. Approximately 73,000 American soldiers participated in D-Day.  2,501 Americans died and over 5,000 of our soldiers were wounded in the largest military operation ever to take place. The appreciation of the French for this Allied intervention was evident by the multitude of American flags flying high in the neighboring yards all over this French countryside. Even after all these years, the American presence is held in such high esteem.

Spending the day on such hallowed ground was deeply moving. My gut wrenched trying to imagine so many young soldiers in the early hours of June 6, 1944 who put their lives on the line for freedom. Walking on the same sand which saw unspeakable casualty was chilling. The unknown of that fateful day was riddled with fear and anxiety, but duty and honor reigned as thousands of soldiers burdened by heavy gear and threat of death jumped from airborne planes and dove into frigid waters for the sake of liberty and freedom. My dad was 18 when he joined the Navy. I can only speak to my readiness at that age to take on a country’s responsibility to defend and protect. Honestly, the majority of my 18-year-old self was more concerned the acquisition of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans. 

Tomorrow is Veteran’s day; a day we are called to remember and honor military veterans. Our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, our friends and neighbors whose mission includes military service are in a league of their own. Taking the solemn oath to serve and protect our United States Constitution gives all of us the gift of shelter within our Democracy so that the rest of us can live securely in freedom’s refuge.

I’ve met enough veterans to know that there’s a reluctance to talk about military service, especially when it involved combat duty. Young recruits grow up rather quickly when thrust into harm’s way. Short sighted wants and desires surrender to something greater. Many soldiers find themselves in the fox hole where responsibility to look out for others wearing the same mud-covered boots becomes non-negotiable. Self surrenders to duty, and this is where the capacity of one person is stretched in incomprehensible ways. Many veterans come home to a new life where coexistence with ghosts of a former life becomes a new normal. I can only imagine how difficult that must be.

We ended our day at the Normandy American Cemetery surrounded by 9389 graves of American soldiers who died in D-Day landings and subsequent operations. The onset of dusk stilled everyone present as the American Flag was lowered to a lone bugler playing “Taps.”  We held our hands to our grateful hearts. All visitors stood in solidarity, captivated by the solemn space between each lingering bugle note. We were sanctified by the rows and rows of white marble headstones.

My wish for all veterans is the hope you feel genuine appreciation from those of us who truly celebrate your service to this country. Whether you are serving overseas or here at home; whether you are in the National Guard or part of the Navy, Marine, Air Force or Army branches of the military; whether you are in active service or retired, we are grateful for your selfless service to our country.