D-Day

D-Day...  this is a term that is familiar to most, but the true history behind those four letters is often vaguely known.  On June 6, 1944 160,000 allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy.  At the end of the day, the allied forces had gained at least somewhat of a ownership of the beaches, but the cost was high.  Over 9,000 allied troops were either wounded or killed in the invasion. 

This was not the end of their journey...  from there over 100,000 troops continued forward in what resulted in the initial defeat of Hitler.  In the defeat, they also freed multiple countries from his reign as dictator and released thousands from concentration camps. 

While stationed in Germany, we were able to travel to some of the places that became famous for connections to the Third Reich and Hitler.  Dachau concentration camp, Hitler's Eagles Nest and the stadium in Nuremberg that Hitler had big plans for...

All of these are now locations where you can walk where these individuals walked - some leading the tragedy and others facing their end.  The cold-hearted and those having their hearts broken.

Those soldiers that marched forward and risked their own life in hopes of saving anothers - someone from another country, someone who probably didn't speak their language or have their same beliefs.  They fought for freedom for others, like many before them had done and many who have come after them have continued to do.

Not just Memorial day, not just D-Day, not just Veteran's Day, but everyday these service members should be remembered.  For those whose life they saved haven't forgotten...

The Normandy American Cemetary and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France.  The cemetary honors American soldiers who died in Europe during WWII.