Remembering D-Day

   It's June 6, 2014, and we live in peace, with no major war going on. It was a lot different on June 6, 1944, D-Day. 70 years ago, soldiers, sailors and airmen took part in the largest amphibious invasion ever in the history of the world. It was the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany, and it started on the beaches of Normandy.
   At Juno, Gold, Sword, Omaha and Utah beaches, thousands and thousands of men hurled themselves against formidable defenses, trying not only to make their objectives, but in a lot of cases, simply trying to stay alive under a hail of enemy fire.
   It's said as many as 45 hundred Allied servicemen were killed on the first day of the attack, including 359 Canadians.
   Commemorative ceremonies are being held in many locations, including Yorkton. The local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has a parade set for tonight at 6:30, which will end up at the Cenotaph and a service of remembrance.
   I have a personal connection with the Allied invasion of France. My father was a radio operator in the 2nd Battalion,  Queens Own Rifles in 1944. While he wasn't part of the D-Day landings, he did go into France about 6 weeks later. and like thousands of other young men, he was wounded in action. He, the other veterans of that and all other wars, and those who gave the supreme sacrifice are why I will continue to mark events like Remembrance Day and D-Day.

TTFN