KEY WEST LOU / JUNE 6, 1944…..D-DAY

June 6, 1944 a day of major consequence in the history of the United States. Also known as D-Day. Allied troops landed en masse on the beaches of Normandy in France. The day is recognized as the greatest military invasion in history. A massive land, sea and air assault.

Five beaches involved. Their names for the invasion as well known as the term D-Day itself: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.

Involved on the part of the Allies 7,000 vessels including ships and landing craft and 195,000 naval personnel. In addition, 133,000 troops from the U.S., British Commonwealth and the Allies were involved in the initial landings.

At days end, 156,000 troops had successfully landed on the beaches. One week later, 326,000 troops secured the beaches.

Some 40 odd years ago, I visited Italy for a month. A family trip. My wife, 3 of my 4 children and my parents. I had rented a villa in a little town called Lavinio. A beach community on the Mediterranean. Part of Anzio.

Allied troops had earlier landed in Italy prior to D-Day. The Battle of Anzio began January 22, 1944 with an amphibious landing. The Battle ended months later with the capture of Rome on June 5, 1944.

One day, I took the car and drove around. I was alone. Came upon a military cemetery adjoining Anzio. It was the World War II cemetery for British soldiers who died in the Battle. A little more than 2,000 graves. I stopped to explore.

I had not yet seen Arlington so a military cemetery was new to me.

The British cemetery was emotionally moving. Overwhelmingly so. Each grave stone the same set in perfect order. The grounds meticulously kept.

I walked through the rows of graves. Stopping to read the inscriptions on many. Most young men. Boys. Ages ranging from 16 to mid 20’s. Many in their 20’s captains and majors. I began crying. The tears incontrollably ran down my cheeks. Excuse me, snot from my nose. I was overwhelmed. The worst was when I came upon graves marked KNOWN TO GOD ALONE.

Heavy!

Many weird Florida State laws since DeSantis has become Governor. Not this one, however. It’s an oldie: It’s illegal to pass wind in a public place after 6 pm on thursdays.

The law was adopted in the 1800’s. Not clear why it became law. I could not find a reason why.

Still the law!

A touching story involving the recent India railroad crash. A dad found his son alive among bodies in a morgue following the crash.

The father refused to accept his 24 year old son was dead. Went to the scene. Checked the hospital. No son. Checked the temporary morgue that had been set up in a high school.

He was not allowed to see the bodies. However was nearby when commotion broke out. Someone saw a “dead body’s hand shaking.” The father saw it, too. It was his son. Alive!

The son was rushed to a hospital. He remains in critical but stable condition.

I caught Joe Manchin on two TV talk shows over the weekend. His face appeared physically terrific. He appeared 20 years younger. The man has either had a facelift or an overwhelming number of botox shots.

Manchin left viewers with two impressions.

One was that Biden has not done anything of value. Including resolving the debt ceiling problem. Despite repeated questioning, he refused to give Biden credit for anything he has done during his Presidency. His sole Biden comment was Biden had gone too far to the left.

The other, he left viewers with the impression he was considering a third party run for the Presidency. Never said it, but the impression was distinctly there.

I missed writing yesterday’s blog. My apologies.

I began the day at the hospital at 8 am for tests. Ran close to noon. By the time I was done, I was totally exhausted. Hit the bed for the afternoon. Still tired this morning.

I have another test tomorrow morning. A heavy one. Scheduled for 8 am.

As Jimmy Buffett recently said, “Growing old is not for sissies.”

Enjoy your day!

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