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
Copyright © Robert L. Hinshaw | Year Posted 2014
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