D-Day June 6, 1944

I myself will take a quiet moment to thank those who served then, and now. We may have never had a chance to meet any of them, but we are definitely better off for them being around when we needed them.
 
My grandfather flew 36 missions to Germany in the tail gun position of a Lancaster (Halifax as well). He survived and I was lucky enough to have him until a few years ago when he passed. Greatest generation, no question. I stand in awe.
 
benchgrinder said:
My grandfather flew 36 missions to Germany in the tail gun position of a Lancaster (Halifax as well). He survived and I was lucky enough to have him until a few years ago when he passed. Greatest generation, no question. I stand in awe.
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My step dad was a Lanc tailgunner as well. One uncle in the RCAF, another in armour, another as support staff (cook). They all made it home too, thank god. - dan
 
I was hoping that someone would start a thread to remember all those that fought so hard to defend our freedoms.

My own father went ashore on D-day + 10 (that is 10 days later).
I wish I had taken the time to write down more of the details of his time overseas, while he was still with us.

Thanks Dad.
 
Real Heroes...

I was priviledged to speak to a few veterans...they are exceptional individuals...I met M Charbonneau from Pointe Gatineau, he was parachuted behind ennemy lines on the 5th June to blow bridges...as a French Canadian he had the language skills as well as the demolition skills...I met him at the Legion with my son for an interview that we both remember vividly...also met M Devrey who jumped and lost most of his comrades...I believe he still preside the Airborne association...compelling stories, our heroes! so many unheard of...



Boom-Boom said:
X8

Been there myself two years ago for a Normandy D Day beaches tour.

Quite touching.

Omaha Beach : had a view from the sea and also same from the coast where germans were entrenched and bunkered. Very impressive. Although when the landing occured the water was not at high tide and soldiers had to walk/run/crawl and die on a much longer beach. Poor guys.

I also visited Pointe du Hoc where the US Rangers had to climb this 100 feet high abrupt cliff under all sort of fire. IICRC some 30 soldiers survived out of 140 some elements to start. (In irony, the so called huge cannons that were supposed to be a threat to all vessels where not in operation then.......)

Juno Beach, where our Can troops where landing too has also inaugurated a very nice Fed. site. One relative of mine was there on 6-6 and is still alive today. (Courseules sur Mer).

THEY SHALL BE REMEMBERED.


BB
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Some Europeans are better at showing their respects. A town close to Vimy Ridge has had a 30 minute parade and vigil to thank the CDN troops ever since 1917. With the exception of the few years the Nazis occupied it. It still goes on to this day...365 days a year! Now that's a thank you.
 
BlackWatch said:
Some Europeans are better at showing their respects. A town close to Vimy Ridge has had a 30 minute parade and vigil to thank the CDN troops ever since 1917. With the exception of the few years the Nazis occupied it. It still goes on to this day...365 days a year! Now that's a thank you.
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That's Ypres, Belgium. Respect like that will never be seen here. Wearing a poppy for 2 weeks and shutting your c--kholster for 2 minutes pales in comparison. Though that ritual is from the sacrifices made in WWI, not D-Day.
 
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On the night of June 5th I was preparing for an early morning flight and thought of my Airborne brothers who had prepared for a much different flight 63 years earlier.

When I arrived at the airport at 0455 hrs I thought about the paratroopers scattered all over fighting in small groups as well as the troops steaming ashore. Throughout the day as I was working my way across the Country I continued to compare my fairly easy day with what they had gone through.

It wasn't until I was back home, my gear stored away, and tucked into bed that I realized how truely lucky we are to have had hero like them do what they did.

On June 6th 2007, I had gotten up travelled across the Country, ate when I was hungry, drank when I was thirsty, drove my truck home to my nice house, and got into my bed at the end of the day. There were a lot of people who ended June 6th 1944 very differently. Their actions and sacrfices allow us the freedoms we have today: For that reason they must never be forgotten.
 
X14, thanks for the pictures.

WW2 always hits me hard when I think about it. It never ceases too boggle my mind.

Also considering my Grandfather spent a long time fighting throughout italy ect, pretty sure he was in the 1st Canadian Division .
Ended up looseing a few toes and was shot in the knee and head in the process. Hes 87 now and still going strong though :) .

I know that all war is horrible, and especialy back then due to lack of technology and poorer tactics ect, but I really would of loved to have been able to do my part in that war.
 
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Tyockell18, Could you do me a favour? Next time you see or talk to your Grandfather could you thank for me?

Cheers
Kevin
Tyockell18 said:
X14, thanks for the pictures.

WW2 always hits me hard when I think about it. It never ceases too boggle my mind.

Also considering my Grandfather spent a long time fighting throughout italy ect, pretty sure he was in the 1st Canadian Division .
Ended up looseing a few toes and was shot in the knee and head in the process. Hes 87 now and still going strong though :) .

I know that all war is horrible, and especialy back then due to lack of technology and poorer tactics ect, but I really would of loved to have been able to do my part in that war.
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2007-06-09_173104_zDDay.jpg
 
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