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Seventy Years Ago Today

Seventy years ago today, brave men stormed the shores of Normandy. They answered the call to arms to protect and defend our precious liberty. Some didn't reach the shore - they lay cradled in the sea's cold embrace. Blood that once stained that hallowed place is now cleansed without a trace. Waves of courageous men struggled through that brutal, scarlet tide. America lost precious treasure that day - alas, all too soon they died. Men were not concerned about liberty or setting the world aright. They thought only of protecting the comrade to their left and right. On they charged against the foe who lobbed storms of shot and shell. "Press on! Press on!" was their battle cry marching into hell! The cries of maimed and wounded was heard above the din of battle. Fearless chaplains and medics tended them midst the muskets' rattle. What might these heroes have become had fate not dealt them so? A teacher, a farmer, a doctor or minister? Alas, we shall never know. They left farm, shop, school and hearth to cross the billowing sea, Forfeiting life and limb on the Altar of Honor that others might live free! Upon the plain above Omaha Beach lie ten thousand souls we mourn, Who await Gabriel's clarion bugle call to rise on that triumphant morn! Old Glory yet proudly waves due to the sacrifices these brave men made. May the memory of their devotion to duty and bravery never, ever fade. Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (c) 2014 All Rights Reserved

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Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 6/12/2014 4:31:00 PM

God bless you for reminding us of this anniversary, Bob. I once had a neighbor whose husband died in Normandy. There is no way to describe how much we owe to the brave soldiers who protect our freedom. You are one of them, my friend, and it is a privilege to know you through poetry. A powerful poem! Love, Carolyn

Arthur Vaso

Date: 6/7/2014 9:25:00 PM

A great write here Bob, lest we forget, I have walked upon those shores, for the sole reason of remembering and witnessing what I learned in school, somehow being there, well you envision the sacrifices made!! Thanks for this poem!!

James Horn

Date: 6/7/2014 2:39:00 PM

Outstanding yet so sad. My father in law was in second wave and so was my sister's father in law. I am a retired Unit Administrator of Co C 3d Bn 161st Infantry (Mech) no longer in existence. I retired June 30, 2001 just before 9/11 and after my 60th birthday on June 26. Would like to meet you sometime. Spent three years at McConnell AFB Wichita and graduated from Wichita State. Would be glad to help Pandita out. I have over 300 poems on PoetrySoup. James Thomas Horn

Lucilla Carrillo

Date: 6/6/2014 11:45:00 PM

Robert; This is another fine poem you have written. Those brave men will never be forgotten. Did you know that the Texas Battle Ship was there on D Day at Normandy? It is here where I live about 50 miles away. I have been to visit a few times. Thanks for sharing.... Lucilla

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/6/2014 10:20:00 PM

A great way to honor them with this poem, Robert. Such devotion is rare, so rare.

Jan Allison

Date: 6/6/2014 4:21:00 PM

Fabulous tribute Robert you preserve the memories for us all to read and remember the fallen. hugs jan xxx

Pandita Sietesantos

Date: 6/6/2014 3:28:00 PM

What a wonderful tribute! I salute you and your comrades, my friend, and express my deepest gratitude for your service and sacrifice. A heartfelt thank you. My son is serving in the Army. Kindest regards.

Toquyen Harrell

Date: 6/6/2014 3:21:00 PM

You did a great job in preserving the memories, Bob. Awesome relay of history. I can them in my mind. Those brave ones!!!

Ilene Bauer

Date: 6/6/2014 3:13:00 PM

bravo, bob! you've covered all the bases here and have done so brilliantly! i've only seen images of d-day in movies but that was harrowing enough for me - i can't imagine having lived through it (or, for too many soldiers, being there and not surviving). may we never forget...