| Author | Message | ||
     Henrik |
On this day, May 4th, in 1945 German troops in Denmark capitulated. The capitulation was extended through German army commanders to Allied leaders in London. These joyous news were broadcast on BBC on May 4th in the evening. Unfortunately the cease fire orders had not made it to the German troops in Denmark and many Danes were killed that night for breaking curfew, while celebrating their newly won freedom. In memory of those who lost their lives during the 5 years of occupation, and especially of those who lost their lives needlessly so close to the time of freedom, many Danes will light candles in their windows tonight. Henrik | ||
| Rocketman |
 May 8th Victory in Europe Day. Rocket ps, Henrik, you need to alter the thread title. | ||
| Jb2 |
 Had to wait until dark to get this but I been thinkin' about you and your home since I read your post this a.m. For you and your homeland from Hartford City, Indiana - USA! | ||
| Diablobrian |
Too many fail to see the importance of our past and the price paid by our forefathers. Those that forget history..... | ||
| Rocketman |
I'm 45 this year Brian, and I often think of the past where the last war was concerned. To be fair, it's not hard to do. My Mum has all my Granddad's medals and commendations framed on the lounge wall, along with a cool photo of him and his brother in their army uniforms, both grinning away like Chesire cats. Every day I go to my Saab Workshop, my neighbour Frank talks with me. He's coming up 89 this year. He fought hard in the Second World War. No he doesn't talk about it much, but I've known Frank long enough for the odd story. Maybe it's just the generation gap that we feel, and it's not the younger ones that are forgetting. It's more a question of maturity I believe, and as time goes by, reflection becomes the norm, then we all remember eventually. Perhaps when we're young, such matters don't seem so important. I must be getting old. Patton's tank picture above is a small but significant piece of history that the French haven't forgotten in more than 60 years. That memorial is Patton's Place in Avranches, Normandy, where his HQ was situated. All the soil, shrubbery etc was flown in from the US years ago, and when you stand in the middle of that roundabout you are on American soil, as the French gave that piece of land to the US as a lasting memory and fitting tribute for all our freedoms. Rocket | ||
| Bomber |
Henrik -- thanks for the reminder of your home county's bravery and courage -- If only these qualities were no longer needed -- so long as Homo Sapiens are, though, I'm thinking they will be needed more often than we'd like | ||
| Djkaplan |
"That memorial is Patton's Place in Avranches, Normandy" I've been to the beaches in Normandy and was very moved by the monuments and veteran's cemetery. I was just a kid at the time, but the memories are crystal clear because it was the first time I ever saw my mother cry. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Here,here,Henrik. I have been researching my dad's service record in Europe but apparently there was a big fire in the archives so alot of stuff was lost. Have to dig deeper. I have alot of respect for the folks of that generation that fought or were involved in WWII. | ||
| Rocketman |
I was just a kid at the time, but the memories are crystal clear because it was the first time I ever saw my mother cry. It will do that to you. Three years ago myself and the kids took a Mini Winnie right through the Somme. There are so many military cemeteries, yet the beautiful landscape defies what happened along that part of France 80 odd years ago. It's a very peaceful place. Rocket | ||
| Diablobrian |
When i was in the Navy I got to visit memorials on several pacific islands as well as visit South Korea. It's amazing the tributes and senses of history some of the people have. I guess it easier when every time it rains another un-exploded munition is unearthed. Kind of keeps it real and relevant. The level of tragedy seen by the people from the war zones marked entire generations. I think after my little accident I gained a clearer sense of the value of life. This is some of what the "greatest generation" carry with them because of their time spent in and around hell. Many of the young people, especially American young people have been very insulated from the nasty things one man can do to another. They think a drive-by, or a Columbine is as bad as something can get. That's why we are still dealing with the knee-jerk reactions from 9-11 people just didn't know how to cope. We need to get on with our lives with the memory and the knowledge gained. It's a big beautiful world, and we need to appreciate it for what it is, not live in fear of the big bad wolf. Don't forget the wolf is there, and don't stray far from your gun when he's about, but you can't give up your life waiting for him to show up. Our grandparents did exactly that in the late 40's-50's. | ||
| Brineusaf |
I have pictures of when I visited the Luxemburg US Military Cemetary this past fall. If anyone wants very nice pictures of the US Cemetary let me know and I will email them out. Send me a PM, as I don't have to time to resize.Thanks. | ||
| Brineusaf |
 Doesn't have a tank, but I like this one better Rocketman. |
