I saw a 19 y/o youth today for his qualifying physical for the US Army. While reviewing his history he told me he had had surgery. “When was that?” I asked.
His answer surprised me “D-Day 2005”
“D-Day?” I questioned.
“June 6!” He said with a not so subtle look of disgust on his face.
“I know D-Day,” I explained. “I’m just a bit surprised and pleased that a young man like you would know D-Day.”
“D-Day was one of the most important days in the war!” he informed me. “We should all remember it!”
And we should!!
That little conversation made my heart beat a little faster and brightened my otherwise routine day.
But, so many young people, and I don’t mean just kids, don’t even know what D-Day was! Now, I’m not a history buff, but some knowledge of the history of our great country is essential if we are to maintain our freedom. If you have not read Stephen Ambrose’s book “D-Day” you owe it to yourself, your country and especially your kids to spend some time in its pages. It will give you an even greater sense of pride in what the men did on Normandy Beach more than 60 years ago.
When the new army recruit left my office I shook his hand, congratulated him, and told him how grateful I was for what he was about to do, and how proud I was that I had been able to share a few minutes of his life. “Take good care of yourself,” I pleaded. “So you can take good care of us.” Then I added,”The world needs more men like you!” And we do!
He left the exam room with a big smile, and left me with a smile and a tear in my eye.