It's a very special day over here, and presumably in UK. The Queen and Prince Charles are at Ouistreham (the Caen ferry port) today. Flags everywhere in our local town. For anyone interested there is so much on the internet I wouldn't know where to start. please log in to view this image
Their bodies and parachutes hung from the trees Near a church tower in Normandy at St Mere Eglise Eighty Second Airborne from a tracer filled sky The dice roll of fate choosing those who would die There are hundreds and hundreds on Omaha Beach The cliff tops above them now forever out of reach With mortars and machines guns and 88s as well It’s a wonder that any could’ve lived through that hell Gliders troops from the Sixth took the bridges at Orne But some never saw that first breaking of dawn They held out through daylight as the Panzers attacked But they never retreated, they never fell back The Eagles were screaming as they took Carentan They didn’t all make it, but the Germans, they ran Clearing the streets as the mortar shells burst Dying in scores were the Hundred and First Canadians that fought near the town of Courseulles Torn up and mangled by huge jerry shells They all knew the danger, some knew that they’d fall As they ran through the bullets to breach the sea wall British Commandos at Ouistreham, Queen Red The bridgehead they took there was paid for in dead Advancing inland as the day carried on Fewer and fewer with a lot of mates gone If you visit years later and hear the sea roar Don’t forget those who went there in June 44 For all those that fought there and the many that died Appreciate your Freedom and Remember them with Pride.
Cheers Slasher. Spent all afternoon at Utah Beach (it's not very far from us). Great scenes and atmosphere.
I would have loved to have been there to see the celebrations / remembrance. It's difficult for kids now to understand the sacrifice especially as modern warfare is dramatically different. They will never be forgotten
