Remember D-Day

Dear Editor,

June 6, 1944, D-Day

77 years ago more than 2,000 American soldiers died on one beach alone in World War II, Omaha Beach. And, on other beaches on D-Day by the time the fighting was over, more then 10,000 allied soldiers were killed. Early that morning off the coast of France, they all had one vision, to fight and take over precious ground held by the Nazis of Germany.

They did take the ground, but as noted it was costly. Air and ship support were vital and there. But it was mainly done with the foot soldier advancing, falling and getting up and advancing again and again, if they possibly could. Pvt. Hal Baumgarten, 116th regiment, a World War II soldier whose story was recently on MSN, is one of our heroes of that day and of World War II who kept fighting and fighting for himself, his buddies and his country.

He was wounded five times, but kept going. His biggest wound is guilt, he says, "why did I live?"

I believe he lived to tell his story on how important that day was and how important it is to remember it, forever.

Everything went into the war effort and to support the people in the military here and abroad, people not in the military were in factories, on the farm, everywhere with one common goal, win the war.

We have to continue to support those troops still fighting today and let them know we support them now and forever. The World War II monument in Washington DC is a sight to see, for all those of the Greatest Generation, Pvt. Baumgarten and everyone else.

It is for all who died, fighting and supporting the greatest war effort in history. It is a history lesson as you walk around it and in it you see how involved the world was during this war, it did indeed cover the entire world. I hope all the living veterans of World War II or of any war get a chance to see it.

I have heard we lose 1,000 veterans of World War II per day, that is not counting all that supported the effort.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/lingering-wound/pk5gajn

I certainly was not around on D-Day, but as I have grown, I certainly know many that were.

Our Greatest Generation -- if not for them I truly feel we would not be enjoying the freedom we have today. People close to me, like my father O'Dell, who was 24 years old at the time and going to be 25 in July of 1944, was at that time in World War II, in the air over Europe in a B-24 bomber, trying to make a difference.

Just as another family member is trying to make a difference today overseas. My son, Josh, now 24 years old just as his grandfather before him, was in the U.S. Army, but as an infantryman, he will also be 25 in July, of this year though.

His grandfather, who would have been 91 this July, like his granny would have been and are very proud of Josh. She, too, was part of the greatest generation. I have not seen him in over a year. But I do know he is doing OK, safe and staying Army Strong with great support of many others there and family here.

Thanks, Please Support Our Troops and American Red Cross

Michael Hartwell

Lincoln