June 6, 2024

Four-score years ago, the youth of Allied Armies stormed Normandy's shore;
Men in the December of their years returned today recalling the gore of war.
They wept at comrades graves who freely gave their all on that crimson strand;
Heros reaped by the Scythe of Death to ensure that freedom would yet stand.
Old men wept as the dulcet notes of Taps was played,
And rendered smart salutes as Old Glory was displayed!
Many of the veterans leaned on canes to guide their stride;
Others in wheel-chairs were helped by guides to ease their ride.
Gnarled hands that once held the fearsome weapons of war,
Beckon for peace that we shall know war nevermore!
Upon the plain above Omaha Beach lie 9000 buddies they mourn,
Who await Gabriel's clarion bugle call on that Triumphant Morn!
The glistening sand that once was stained by a hero's blood,
Is now cleansed by the ebb and flow of decades of tidal flood.
The beach that once resounded with the cannon's roar,
Now trembles with the booming surf rushing to the shore!
The hardships these gallant men suffered, we shall never know;
So much, so very much, to this Great Generation we owe!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
August 3, 2024 at 7:54 PM
How did I ever miss your tribute to D-Day, Bob? Yours truly is and was the 'Greatest Generation.' Mine, not so much. Thanks, Gershon
Hinshaw Avatar
August 4, 2024 at 7:08 AM
Thank you for your kind remarks, Gershon. I cherish your friendship and support. Best on you always - Bob H
Onclaud Avatar
June 8, 2024 at 10:47 PM
a potd well deserved, bob...you always remind of my dad who fought for his country...salute!
Hinshaw Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 1:25 PM
Thank you, dear Nette! Your Dad was a true hero, indeed. I know you were very proud of him - It is so good to have you back. I always enjoy your iinsightful poems - Bob
Kauffman Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 11:07 PM
So moving, Bob! Congratulations on your wonderfully written and well deserved POTD lest we forget! Your imagery and poetic language is marvelous! Thank you for your service and thank you for this heartfelt, moving piece! Sending you blessings and prayers for all who served and continue to serve in the service of freedom especially those at Normandy!
Hinshaw Avatar
June 8, 2024 at 9:39 AM
Thank you for your gracious comments, Sam. Best on you - Bob H
Roper Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 7:38 PM
Robert, great recap of the battle in Normandy. Those that survived and still with us tell the true story. Congratulation on POTD.
Hinshaw Avatar
June 8, 2024 at 9:39 AM
Thank you so much, Eve. I appreciate your support - Bob
Kitchin Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 6:49 PM
Bob, well penned, congratulations on POTD.
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 6:57 PM
Great to hear from you, Tania, and many thanks for the congrats Bob H
Baker Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 6:34 PM
Fine POTD, Robert! Congratulations on your POTD honor, my friend! Thank you for your service. I too, served for 7+ years in the USAF. Enjoy your special day of recognition! A poet in Texas, Bill
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 6:56 PM
Bill, thank you so much and Thanks for your kind comment and for your service. Bob H
Kaufman Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Most impressive penning Robert. Congratulations on POTD on the D day remembrance..
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 1:18 PM
Thank you, Nancy. Most kind of you to take time to comment. Best to you - Bob H
Slaughter Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 10:34 AM
An excellent tribute piece, Robert. No one can ever say...or do...enough to praise the brave men and women of that "Great Generation". Congrats on POTD, as well.
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 11:31 AM
Thank you, so much Jim. We owe those men and women more than we can ever pay. Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - Bob H
Romios Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM
I am thrilled as your friend, anfd fellow patriot-poet, to see that you honoured this day, Robert! Yours is rich with magnicent elegance and feelings! (Thank heavens not in free verse)Loved the line, “Heroes reaped by the Scythe of Death”.) great Britain calls the Landing Gold Beach. Wars never will end on earth. People do not understand that fredom is never free. The Ukraine and Israel are under attack! We have not learned that we all have enemies,and yes, brave men and women, must figjt
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Thank you, Dear Pangie. I cherish your comments, my fellow-patriot. Hope all is going well with you. Bob
Goldsmith Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 8:33 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful write/tribute in honor of D Day. Have a blessed day...................
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 9:28 AM
Thank you, Paula - glad you enjoyed - Bob
Rodgers Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 5:14 AM
Hey Robert! I loved your powerful D-Day poem, which captured the sacrifices of that generation. It's is such a beautifully written and most moving tribute. Also, huge congrats on getting Poem of the Day! Well-deserved recognition for a great poet my friend. -Blessings, My Friend, Daniel
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 7:53 AM
Thank you, Daniel, for your kind comments. Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - bob
May Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 4:48 AM
Great tribute to men of the greatest generation "who gave their all to ensure freedom would yet stand", Congrats on POTD
Hinshaw Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 7:54 AM
Thank you, Joseph, for your kind words. Best to you - Bob
Bowring Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 1:49 AM
Many congratulations dear Robert for POTD with this wonderfully written tribute in memoriam of all those gallant souls that we owe so much to. A beautiful, poignant write. It’s heartbreaking to watch the coverage - so many lost. Thank you for sharing this. Enjoy your celebratory day. Blessings to you.
Elliott Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 1:33 AM
A huge Congratulations on POTD for this beauteous and stirring poem on the courageous American soldiers in D-Day. Bravo. God's blessings to you. ~
Edmonds  Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 12:40 AM
Robert, a wonderful poem in honour of D Day, 80 years on. We will never forget the bravery of all veterans involved and those that’s died so that we may live. Congratulations on receiving the honour of poem of the day… Beryl
Cunningham Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 12:35 AM
Back with congratulations to you Bob on this wonderful tribute to the fallen Tom
Jones Avatar
June 7, 2024 at 12:35 AM
A great tribute worthy of potd congratulations!
Cunningham Avatar
June 6, 2024 at 9:52 PM
We'll never forget their brave sacrifice Robert. We salute each and every one of them. Tom
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