D-Day 75 Years Later

I thought my painting of poppies might be appropriate on this week of reflection and appreciation — this precious little impasto painting is hanging above the bed here at Old Cottage. 

I'm in a bit of a somber and reflective mood. It's been a week of ceremonies and remembrance. Seventy-five years ago soldiers landed on the beaches of northern France.

Every time I watch something having to do with the war, I get choked up and find it difficult to hold back a tear or two. No matter how noble or righteous the cause, it involves so much pain and so much loss. 

Many people gave their lives on that day. It was that sacrifice that helped bring a brutal conflict to an end. There was plenty more fighting to do, but it was undoubtedly the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

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“When you go home.
Tell them of us, and say.
For your tomorrow,
We gave our today.”
-- Patrick O'Donnell

A few years ago, we went on a tour of World War I and II battlegrounds. If you haven't done it before I would highly recommend it. We went from the memorial at Vimy Ridge to the landing beaches of Normandy. It was extremely memorable. We sobbed our way from memorial to memorial, and from beach to beach. It was a bit overwhelming. 

I believe being there gave me a better understanding of the scale, challenges, and courage they had. Of course, not having been there, I don't think I can ever truly understand.

So, this week, I've opted to forgo my usual mindless drivel and reflect on their sacrifice.

We should all remember their sacrifice this week and contemplate the efforts of that "Greatest Generation."

I hope we can remember and learn from the cost of war and the folks that operate on the tip of that sword. Bless them all.

Until next week, I wish you peace.