Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. British, Canadian and American forces opened the second front against Germany.
For baby boomers it means a day of special significance for our parents. In my case, it was my father who took part in the invasions. He was an RAF pilot flying rocket firing typhoons in close support of the ground troops. During the initial days his missions were limited to quick strikes and reconnaissance since Normandy was at the limits of their range from southern England. During the second week of the invasion his squadron landed in Normandy and things became very hectic from then on with several close support missions every day.The photograph shows a crew loading rockets onto a typhoon based just behind the landing beaches in Normandy.
Today's D-Day is very different. It's the day when Leslie (Ms. Sandwalk) and I are meeting with the people involved in my daughter's wedding on June 29th at the University of Toronto Faculty Club. This is the day when we have to lock in many of the decisions; such as flowers, cakes, music, and number of guests. Very scary.Don't for one minute think that I have much of a role here. I'm just along for the ride. Leslie and Jane are in charge.
I don't know if you get XM Radio in Canada, so this may not interest you.
ReplyDeleteXM Radio has a station that broadcasts music from the 40's, 50's,
etc. The station that broadcasts music from the 40's has been playing music, with radio bulletins from NBC and BBC as broadcast on D-Day. Very interesting stuff.
My dad was on a B-17 crew. Waist gunner.
Their generation is/was magnificent, and this is a good day to thank them for what they did.