That's how many WWII vets pass each day.
Last summer we attended the D-Day Conneaut event and while I was walking around taking pictures I came across this scene. I don't know this mans name, but I got to hear some of his story. Surrounding him was a large group of reenactors, some were likely the same age he was when was in France, and he had the group captive with his tales. There were many instances where I noticed a veteran talking to different people, but this one really caught my attention.
What I heard him tell about was the ribbon that he is touching with his left hand on his lapel. He said that he was riding on a tank into the heart of France chasing the Germans and they were driving through a town. As he explained it, a VERY attractive young French women and her daughter was along the road side and she gave the ribbon to him. So what do you think a young man would do in his situation? You guessed it. He was starting to make his way off the tank to thank her properly with a kiss, but the column started moving and he never saw her again.
I've met a lot of reenactors over the past several of years and in that time, I've learned that they all share the same story. They want to keep these stories alive. They want to continue to tell the tales of people like this hero so that he is not forgotten. To them, and to me, it was a priceless moment in time. On the way home from the day job today, I thought of him and wanted to make sure to honor him and all those who served. So that they there stories are not erased with time.
To this man, those that served with him and those that have ever worn the uniform of this country, thank you. Thank you for dealing with the horrors that you did to preserve freedom and in his situation, liberate a continent from tyranny.
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