D-DAY A DAY IN HISTORY

As we all go about our day, give some thought and appreciation to those who stormed the beaches of France in Normandy to begin the invasion of Europe. Canadians fighting on Juno Beach! As we fast forward to modern times, do we still hope that the current conflicts in the world would be the last! Here's to our military families everywhere and the sacrifices they make. Here's to our old veterans with a big hug, kiss and thank you!

D DAY- 71 YEARS LATER

Today is a day to remember the day in history that lead to the liberation of Europe from the Nazi. with the current conflicts in the world it is important to know that freedom and peace do come with a prize. If you know a Veteran, give a hug an a thank you! If in France visit Juno Beach where the Canadians landed.

D-DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY-TIME TO REFLECT ON CANADA'S CONTRIBUTION

June 6 1944 was such a major military mission that when reviewed historically it never ceases to amaze. Timing the exact day to try the invasion of Europe. Needing the right weather, the tide to be out and the element of surprise made the landing in Normandy a monumental task. 156,000 armed forces! The Canadians landed at Juno Beach. Glider planes landing behind enemy lines with equipment! Tanks, ships, planes! Montgomery felt it was not as successful as he wanted but history tells us it was a success. In 3 months, the Allied Forces were going into Germany with the Soviets coming from the East. Italy had been liberated with that campaign starting in September 1943.
Reflecting on this event it is so hard to imagine what that day was like for the men and women who served. We see old men on TV at anniversary events telling their story. Since it is the 70th anniversary of D-Day there are special celebrations in France as we speak. It is often bittersweet. Remembering brings tears and feelings, happy to be there but remembering the day and those who were lost. Since it has been 70 years, the veterans are getting up there-many now mostly in their 90s! If you see a Vet, get their story. If you have a Vet in your family, write it down as part of your family history. In Canada, you can write for your loved ones war records. I have the records on my grandfather from World War One.
We do not remember the events of war to honour war. We remember to acknowledge the sacrifice that others have made for our lives and our freedom, peace and security in Canada today. Yes if you can hug the Vet and get a picture. Seeing one gentleman on TV in Normandy, treated like a celebrity by the people there, make my heart happy. For those young people to let our guys know it meant something, the least we can do is tell our guys they mean something to us.

JUNE RHYMES WITH MOON

June is a an old fashion girl's name. Probably for a child born in June or named after a grandparent. There are several family birthdays for us to celebrate. The 70th anniversary of D-Day occurs. The first day of summer. Weddings are popular this month. For some reason people like to be married in June or August. The end of the school year and lots of dance recitals are happening. Company and family barbecues or picnics are often planned in June. Moving. People are on the move in June-why don't they wait until July. Already on our street two homes have exchanged home owners. June rhymes with the word spoon. It is a dinner utensil or a folksy word for kissing. The moon in June has been used in many poems or movie settings. I don't find the June moon to be anything special- it just rhymes like the word spoon. The loon a Canadian water fowl and racoon-that little bandit that wrecks havoc with homeowners are other words. Daniel Boone a famous American frontier hero may have done something in June. A thug or goon  is not so popular. Noon is a good time of day- lunch and getting closer to home time. The work week has started. So getting ready for work must occur soon. Oh June-the month with so many possibilities! Actually it is like other months. Shorter-only 30 days! So let's get out and enjoy it! What are your plans for June?

THE CANADIANS AND D-DAY-JUNE 6 1944

Todays marks the 69th anniversary of D-Day- the Allied landing at Normandy to liberate Europe. The Canadians were there in full force. A little research-as there is so much written not only about the day but the war itself-gave some needed information for this post. Juno Beach was the location of the Canadians' landing. It is 1.5 km east of Gold Beach. La Riviere in the west and of Saint-Aubin-Sur mer in the East. A beach area totalling 8 km. Did you know who were the first soldiers from Canada to land? They were the 7th Brigade- the Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment and the Regina Rifle regiment with the 8th Brigade-the Queen own Regiment and North Shore Regiment belonging to the 3rd Canadian infantry division. They were supported by the British Royal Mauve Commando 48. As the day progessed, the toll was great- 1074 soldiers were killed or wounded. The film "Saving Private Ryan" is a modern movie that depicts that day quite graphically. Of course we all have seen other movies and raw film footage over the years. History-our history in the making. For the men who served that day, the people of France and other countries are eternally grateful. For us Canadians, we say thank you for the efforts and the sacrifice! War is not remembered to glorify it but as a reminder to work for peace! To reflect on the toll taken on lives, families, countries! So the next time you see a Veteran-recognize the effort made and just say thanks! If visiting France, Juno Beach would be a stop to remember our forces and reflect!!

REMEMBER D-DAY AND THE SACRIFICES FOR OUR FREEDOM

D-Day will stand out as a significant day in history. As with other famous battles, it was the beginning of the invasion of Europe to restore the freedoms to the countries there from the Nazi rule. An international effort that included many Canadians. Juno Beach was our beach. In World War Two, Canada played a major role. In time , we helped to liberate the Netherlands. Although we have Remembrance Day in November, today is another time to reflect on this very important day. By remembering, it helps us to fight even harder for peace in this world! Do you have someone from your family that was there? What is the story? Write it down! If the person is still alive, say thank you! If you encounter someone from the Armed Forces, say thank you! In order to have our freedoms we have today, others made sacrifices for us!

D-DAY JUNE 6 1944

Is a significant day in history. The invasion in Normandy to allow the Allies to obtain a foothold in France was a decisive turning point in World War Two. For Canadians, Juno Beach was the landing site for our troops. The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and commandos of the Royal Marines lead the offensive. Support was given from Naval Force J as well as units of the Royal Canadian Navy. Units of the Royal Navy and RCN provided transport. There is now a Juno Beach Centre in France as well as a website documenting the Canadian efforts. Remembering our history allows us to honour those who served as well as support the efforts of our Armed Forces today. Lest we Forget! Do you stop and think about what today means? Do you even wish that there was no need for war?