In which G.M. Norton looks back on a momentous day.
This week has been quite emotional, remembering 75 years ago
when 175,000 people stormed the beaches of Normandy to fight for the freedom we
enjoy today. Taking place on 6 June 1944, the D-Day landings was an incredible military operation, the
biggest invasion by sea in history.
This was the start of attack that lasted for another 11
months, taking the Allies all the way from French beaches through to the German
capital of Berlin, to the very bunker where Adolf Hitler was holed up.
My seven year old started talking to me about it while
taking her to school. She brought up the subject herself. It must have been
playing around in her head. We were both quite sad about all the lives that
were lost, but incredibly proud of each and every person that was involved.
From the brave foot soldiers to the courageous women of the Red Cross that
helped the injured troops.
It’s thanks to these people for the life we enjoy today. I
can’t imagine leaving my family to go and fight for my country. Leaving them
behind, not knowing if I will ever see them again.
It was really touching talking to my youngest child about
the horrors and bravery of war. It’s not a nice subject to talk about, but it’s
important to remember and appreciate the sacrifices that people have made.
Every
day, my children make me so proud. The compassion they show, the spirit they
have, the silly sense of humour they’ve no doubt inherited from relatives that
lived and died in war.
So this weekend, I think I'll sit down and watch Saving Private Ryan and feel incredibly thankful.
G.M. Norton
Protagonist of 'Norton of Morton'
No comments
Post a Comment