American Normandy Cemetery, July 2019.
“A veteran—whether active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve—is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America,’ for an amount of “up to and including THEIR LIFE.” – Unknown
Though I don’t agree entirely with the statement above, I appreciate its sentiment. Those who join the military do so for many and varied reasons. There were times during World War I and World War II when men and women joined or made themselves available for the draft because they believed it was their duty and a high honor to serve their country in the military services. They also knew it was highly possible they wouldn’t return from the war in Europe or Asia.
In July I visited the graves of over 9,000 people who clearly fall into this category. They wrote that check, and it was deposited in the form of their lives. Walking among their graves at the American-Normandy Cemetery in France is a somber and sobering experience.
If you haven’t visited Normandy, you will be amazed at the overpowering feeling you have as you stand high on a plateau above the English Channel and gaze across the rows of crosses. (The graves of fallen Jewish veterans are marked with the Star of David.) Name, rank, date of death, and hometown are carved into the beautiful white granite. The grounds are meticulously well-maintained. It is a truly remarkable place.
I took the photo above there. If you are a veteran, or close to one, you will be especially moved by a visit. For me it was a trip of a lifetime.
I am sure your visit to the American-Normandy Cemetery was a very moving and emotional experience for you and more so as a Veteran. My wife’s oldest brother was killed and buried in France, although I don’t think he is buried in Normandy.
As a fellow Vietnam Veteran, it is an emotional and moving experience as a member of the Gaston County Honor Guard to honor every Veteran’s funeral we participate in especially when we go to the Salisbury VA National Cemetery to help honor a Brother or Sister, especially a Vietnam Veteran. The grounds there are meticulously well-maintained, probably attributing to the moving experience I have.
I am still anxiously waiting for your fourth book to be finished and/or be published.
Our shared Brother, Mike Meeks, was kind enough to furnish me with the three you have written. Thanks for all you do helping Veterans and the Community at large.