D-Day

Today is the 63rd anniversary of D-Day, the day that Allied Forces landed on the beaches at Normandy to begin the liberation of Europe from Hitler.

I bet most of us didn't even remember the date today, did we? Too busy thinking about Paris in prison, Lindsey in rehab and whatever other b.s. we seem to think important these days.

It was supposed to have happened a day earlier, June 5, 1944, but bad weather and rough seas delayed the invasion by a day. I can't imagine being one of those soldiers, mentally preparing to meet whatever fate lie ahead, and then having to wait an additional 24 hours before it happened. 24 extra hours to pace, smoke another pack of cigs, think about loved ones, pray and wonder what was about to happen. It must have been the longest 24 hours of their young lives.

Some 5,000 ships, 1000 transports with paratroopers, and 130,000 troops in amphibious vehicles participated in a landing along 50 miles of the Normandy coast, with full air cover overhead. Imagine the strategy, planning, coordination and training that had to take place to make this happen, and at a time with no computers and only rudimentary means of communications. What a feat it was then, and in hindsight now, even more amazing.

I think it's important to take a few minutes today, remember history, remember the sacrifices made by those who had the courage and will to be a part of this, and to think about those today who continue to fight for freedom from tyranny and terror.

I truly feel that we have the ability and the means to overcome evil in the world. But my greatest fear is that we don't have the will. And all that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.

Thanks to all the veterans and their families out there for their service and sacrifice. If only the rest of us would endeavor to be worthy of it, the world would be a much better place.