Today we commemorate D-Day, the historic allied invasion of Normandy in World War II. This morning my brother forwarded me a letter he received from Captain Mark O'Brien, a close friend of his and a U. S. Navy judge advocate presently serving in Iraq. His letter is so poignant and thoughtful that I decided to publish it in this forum. Captain O’Brien wrote:
"I was thinking of the subject this morning and it occurred to me that D-Day was 64 years ago. When we were born, WWII had ended less than 10 years earlier. Putting that in perspective, Desert Storm, which seems like yesterday to me, was 17 years ago. Seventeen years after WWII was 1962. Our parents’ generation came home from the largest, deadliest, most far reaching war the world has ever seen and by the time I was 7 they had rebuilt the world and acted as if the war didn’t happen. Yet for tens of millions of Americans (who fought in it, worked to support it, lost loves ones to it or just prayed for its end) it had radically altered their lives but they simply carried on without any demands for compensation or claims as victims. They gave our generation and the ones that have followed the most prosperous blessed land God ever graced the earth with. Sadly, today only a handful of people will remember the countless millions of sacrifices made in order for us to enjoy what we have today. So we must remember to say a prayer in thanksgiving for all of those who gave us so much."
11 comments:
General Eckstrom, those thoughts are awesome and profound. Captain O'Brien is obviously a great American and Patriot. Please convey our appreciation for his words and for his service.
This is really a profound tribute to the mothers and fathers of that generation. They gave so much, and sought so little in return. God bless the memory of those dear people - including those who are still with us. That was truly America's greatest generation.
What awesome thoughts indeed. God bless Captain O'Brien and those who are serving us today in harms way. And God bless America.
Richard, your family friend is incredibly bright and profoundly thoughtful. Thanks for sharing his letter.
Beth and I have really enjoyed your posts. Keep telling it like it is.
Mike
BEAUTIFULLY STATED AND WE MUST GIVE THANKS
the perspective is impressive and meaningful
preach it, brother, he's talking about America's greatest generation...God bless them and their memory...it would take a vast culture change, but is it too late to refocus our bearings and follow their example?
WHAT A POWERFUL PERSPECTIVE
Captain O'Brien for McCain's VEEP!!!
Thought provoking. Good post.
Your brother is awesome for forwarding Captain O'brien's letter to you. What great recognition to the greatest generation.
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