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Dear Editor:
As we (hopefully) remember, reflect and honor the 75th anniversary of the D-Day event on June 6, 1944, I hope that we all just take a moment and realize the significance of this event. Had it not been for the thoughtful compromise, respect and diligence of the Allies, our world would be a very different place right now.
In particular, the United States under the leadership of Franklin Roosevelt and the United Kingdom under the leadership of Winston Churchill worked very closely together to plan and execute the invasion which ultimately brought World War II to an end. While I am sure that they did not always agree and had their share of misgivings, they showed respect for one another and worked together for one ultimate goal – the freedom we enjoy today.
As a lifelong “history junkie” and history major, I have realized that what I have studied and learned about the history of this momentous event and the brave men who lived and died to make it happen has been through post-formal study.
I encourage our teachers and academic instructors to make this a focus going forward as we are losing so many of our WW II veterans every day. Most of them are now in their 90s and over 100 years old. Their stories, their heroism, and their imprint on our freedoms and lives we enjoy today cannot be taken for granted. Their stories must be told, with emphasis on both the decisions made by remarkable leaders and the sacrifice of these young people who carried out the mission.
My hope is that future generations are taught to revere these amazing young soldiers, many of whom had never seen combat, who stormed the beaches that historical day and failed in many instances to return home, resting forever in France.
To these heroes and all the past and present military men and women, I thank you for your service and patriotism.
Sharon McMahon
Noblesville