Today is D-Day

[hamiltonhacker]

June 6th 1944. Its important to remember, especially given the large Canadian contribution at Juno Beach.

To start this thread off, here is a great photo article from the Guardian. Click on the photo and it morphs into a present day photograph of the same scene. The comments are worth scrolling through as well. Many of them relate the experiences of the commenters parents at the time:

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/ng-interactive/2014/jun/01/d-day-landings-scenes-in-1944-and-now-interactive

Here is a bunch more of the same style of photos:

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2014/06/scenes-from-d-day-then-and-now/100752/http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2014/06/scenes-from-d-day-then-and-now/100752/

[Bluefan75]

Re: Today is D-Day

June 6th 1944. Its important to remember, especially given the large Canadian contribution at Juno Beach.

To start this thread off, here is a great photo article from the Guardian. Click on the photo and it morphs into a present day photograph of the same scene. The comments are worth scrolling through as well. Many of them relate the experiences of the commenters parents at the time:

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddes...ow-interactive

The most important day in the 20th century. Very soon, those who fought will all be gone.

Let's hope the memory of what they were fighting against doesn't go with them.

[leftygolfer]

Re: Today is D-Day

I believe it's important to share this history with our children so the sacrifices and achievements that these heroes made are never forgotten. It's because of what they did, we enjoy the freedoms we have.

[Marty Canuck]

Re: Today is D-Day

June 6th 1944. Its important to remember, especially given the large Canadian contribution at Juno Beach.

To start this thread off, here is a great photo article from the Guardian. Click on the photo and it morphs into a present day photograph of the same scene. The comments are worth scrolling through as well. Many of them relate the experiences of the commenters parents at the time:

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/ng-interactive/2014/jun/01/d-day-landings-scenes-in-1944-and-now-interactive

Here is a bunch more of the same style of photos:

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2...nd-now/100752/

Awesome and powerful stuff...

[bobby Jones]

Re: Today is D-Day

Very cool pics. I had the pleasure of going to Normandy on the 60th anniversary. The Juno Beach Centre is some place every Canadian should visit in their lifetime along with the at least one war cemetery, and the D Day museum in Caen. One of the most powerful experiences of my life.

It is not far from Paris and war history notwithstanding a very nice place to visit. If you are in the "neighbourhood" add this to your itinerary. You won't regret it.

[cantcountstrokes]

Re: Today is D-Day

The most important day in the 20th century.

Debatable, but I get what you mean. Lest we forget.

[northernpro]

Re: Today is D-Day

My father was severely wounded at Verrieres Ridge between Caen and Falais..
there were not many Canadians left after their battle with the German Panzer
Division..memories

[bobby Jones]

Re: Today is D-Day

My father was severely wounded at Verrieres Ridge between Caen and Falais..
there were not many Canadians left after their battle with the German Panzer
Division..memories

So was mine! Ended the war for him. August 8, 44, Operation Totalize where from what I understand, no one knew the Panzer dvivision was there as Hitler held it back from the early fighting. A Convalescencing Canuck soldier met a wee Scottish lass and well the rest is history!

[cantcountstrokes]

Re: Today is D-Day

My father was severely wounded at Verrieres Ridge between Caen and Falais..
there were not many Canadians left after their battle with the German Panzer
Division..memories

Was this during the Falaise Pocket action? Would you mind sharing dates and what unit your father was with?

[Bellyhungry]

Re: Today is D-Day

[Ignatius Reilly]

Re: Today is D-Day

My father in law landed on the beach at Normandy and survived. He's now 97.
My father was too young to join.

Here is a popular piece used to commemorate wars, sacrifice, etc. Elgar's "Enigma Variations", a suite of 14 variations on a theme. Each variation was supposed to represent one of his friends/associates - but the enigma was who was who?

The 9th variation, "Nimrod", stands above the others and is often used to commemorate wars, the fallen, etc. Especially in Britain as the composer was..... British.

I've been listening to it a lot lately. It's beautiful. It starts (very) slowly and builds. I think it's worth giving a listen... Generally, I'm in tears by the end of it.

Enjoy...



I'm currently working on an app that will deliver a multi-dimensional experience to anyone following the events of WWII. Seems like a fit...

[crunch27]

Re: Today is D-Day

Thanks Iggy, that was indeed, very moving.

And thank you to all the Vets. We can't repay you for your sacrifice.

[rgk5]

Re: Today is D-Day

My father was severely wounded at Verrieres Ridge between Caen and Falais..
there were not many Canadians left after their battle with the German Panzer
Division..memories

Yes, they fought the 12th SS Hitler Youth regiment.

[Maxwell]

Re: Today is D-Day

My father served in H.M.R.C. Navy for 2.5 years during WW2 and did convoy duty for the entire time. I beleive he was apart of 14 crossings and returns. Today and Rememberence Day were very emotional times for my father. Sometimes, he would drink which would only make the day,"more emotional". He was the treasurer of the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 24 - Poppy Fund for at least 20 years. He was a Federal Government,"Civil Servant" as well working for Revenue Canada for 31 years. I think of him everyday. He did so much for me as a father.
Max

[bl8d]

Re: Today is D-Day

impossible to imagine what it must have been like for the men. I pray that we will never see the likes of this again.