Ben:

   June 6, 1944.  A day whose events changed the course of nations.  A day of which I cannot comprehend the sacrifices made, but am committed to remembering.  A day that must not be forgotten by our coming generations. 

 

    But it is not the only day that can't be forgotten.  I can think of many others, that I've read about in my history books and talked about with veterans.  I'm sure you, and those who served during this time, have other dates you will never forget. 

 

    My wife and I will be attending the reunion in St. Louis and, I'm sure, these will be dates that I will never forget.  I would also like to do something that will help me remember those my step-father served with in the 517th, and the part the 517th played in WWII. 

 

    I would like to collect the signatures of the 517th members, who attend the reunion.  I would bring a large, white, photo quality paper that has the 517th patch drawn on it.  Members could then sign it and I would then have it framed so that I could hang it in a prominent place in my office.  But, I'm wondering if this request would be well received by those who would be asked to sign.  What do you think?

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517 veterans would be happy to sign anything for a son of a 517 veteran-Ben

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If December 7, 1941, was the day that would live in infamy then June 6,
1944, was the day that would live in infinity. On this date fifty years
ago the invasion of France by Allied Forces began under the code name,
"Operation Overlord." A phalanx of ships totaling more than 5,000--of
more than 100 different varieties--and 2,300 transport planes carried
more than 300,000 men into the greatest military invasion in the history
of the world. By July 4, nearly one million soldiers had landed. They
were met by 30 infantry divisions and 10 tank divisions of Hitler's
best. At stake was the fate of the war in Europe and the fate of freedom
for the world. It was the German Field Marshal, Erwin Rommel, who
predicted that, "For the Allies, as well as Germany, it will be the
longest day." How right he was. By the end of those twenty-four hours
over 2,500 allied soldiers and sailors had slipped into eternity. No one
knows exactly how many Germans did the same. But the end of that day
also brought a great victory for the Allied forces and the beginning of
the end for Nazi Germany.

During those initial moments, it was as if time stood still and
Armageddon had begun. Bodies and parts of bodies were floating on the
water, and, yes, flying through the air. Every wave of the sea
regurgitated more bodies, more blood, more ruined equipment.

By mid-morning, it was obvious that the Allies would succeed. By
nightfall, there were 150,000 allied troops ashore and thousands more on
their way. The Nazis were doomed to defeat. Germany surrendered less
than a year later.
In all historical incidents, especially those of major significance,
there are stories behind the stories.

America was birthed and sustained under the banner of freedom.
Accordingly, this nation has enjoyed the peculiar protection and
blessing of Almighty God.
Thanks to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen of D-Day.
I have yet to see anything in the local papers, NY Times, TV Media (NBC,
CBS, MSNBC, etc.  JOHN....................

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