D-Day June 6,2004

Sixty years on; the past appears distant;

Today not totally forgotten.

In retrospect the question may be asked,

have we learned enough to prevent destruction and annihilation?

Bayeux, the recorder of one invasion;

Its tapestry tells of William of Normandy;

the subjugation of England;

now it records the relief of France from its Occupation.

Graveyards of pristine white Portland stone stand;

Graves in the thousand laid out in architectural lines!

No rank or creed separates those who gave their final effort;

those who died that we may live!

Veterans, young men and women, older now,

survivors of those tremendous events;

March and parade to honour their many comrades;

Regimental colours carried and crests worn in reverence.

Pride is evident on aged faces!

Smiles and laughter blend with tears.

Distant memories show recollection of past comrades;

those friends who are forever and eternally young.

Rows and rows of military ranks past and present;

stand to attention as they always have.

The well known music that stirs the heart is played,

Bands of the Guards give pomp.

Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth speaks;

Recognition of the gift of life and sacrifice is given.

On a personal note, sympathy and tribute are voiced.

Old warriors, men and women, are moved by such admiration.

There are many principal leaders present.

In turn they address the courage and valour of their combatants.

A war that claimed the past of many nations

accorded respect by France in her reception for them.

Those of us who watch have a mere glimpse of the energy needed

to overcome all manner and form of adversity.

Historical film is surreal and unfrightening.

We are not shaken by the impact of death and destruction.

We shall not forget them!

We should not forget the tragedy that is war.

We should not forget the cost in lives lost.

We should not forget the voids and vacuums left.

We shall remember them!

D-day was one day in the life of millions.

Many more lives and many more days followed.

Each given for liberty and liberation.

Will George ©  June 7,2004