Our 2008 US Trip, Part Four: D-Day
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Photos by MJ Klein - A Few Food Photos….
The Carolina Theatre hosted a nice program for Veterans of World War II, featuring the film The Longest Day, on June 6, 2008. June 6th is better known as “D-Day.” From Wikipedia:
“D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. “D-Day” often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar terms. The initial D in D-Day has had various meanings in the past, while more recently it has obtained the connotation of “Day” itself, thereby creating the phrase “Day-Day”, or “Day of Days”.[1]“
So even though D-Day is a generic term used in Military Science as time variable, D-Day term has since become synonymous with the invasion of Normandy. Wikipedia has more:
“Normandy Landings were the first operations of the Allied Powers‘ invasion of Normandy, also known as Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord, during World War II. D-Day for the operation, postponed 24 hours, became June 6, 1944, H-Hour was 6:30 am. The assault was conducted in two phases: an air assault landing of American and British airborne divisions shortly after midnight, and an amphibious landing of Allied infantry and armoured divisions on the coast of France commencing at 06:30 British Double Summer Time. It required the transport of soldiers and materiel from England and Wales by troop carrying aeroplanes and ships, the assault landings, air support, naval interdiction of the English Channel and naval fire-support. There were also subsidiary operations to distract the Kriegsmarine and prevent its interference in the landing areas.[1]“
Everyone thought that Dad would like to see this program. The only problem with taking Dad was the fact that it conflicted with Elliot’s High School graduation. After deliberation, my sister felt that we should take Dad to the movie and I agreed.
L to R: Janet (sister), Dad, Elliot (Janet’s son) and Wanda (Dad’s wife)
We decided to say hello to the graduate before we left for the theater. Earlier in the day, there was a party for Elliot at the home.
It’s nice to be able to invite your friends over for a dip in the pool! Elliot is in the middle, next to the women (of course).
The adults weren’t invited to this party, and I arrived just as it was winding down. I just happened to catch Elliot cutting the cake. Good thing the D80 is a fast rig.
We took so many photos of Elliot in his gown that he started cutting up a bit. Can’t say I blame him as I would do the same thing.
This is Dad with Adam, the eldest of Janet’s three sons. It was a nice occasion to get together and he and his wife came up from southern NC to join us.
Soon it was time to leave for the beautiful Carolina Theatre.
The Theatre had marked rows of seats for “veterans only” by using these colorful “pom-pom” type things. Sorry but I don’t know what to call them - but they were unmistakable.
People gathering in the lobby of the historic Carolina Theatre
Before the program began, there was an offering of heavy hors’dourves in the second floor function room:
A local TV news shooter prepares for an interview with a Sgt. Winchester, from the local area.
After a few people spoke about the program, we all went into the theatre.
There was a color guard and a singing group in attendance. A very good show.
During the program, the theme songs of the various services were played and respective servicement from those branches of service took turns standing as their theme song was being played. My 86 year old father stood right up and saluted during the entire course of “Into The Wild Blue Yonder.” I was so “into the moment” that I neglected to get a photograph of him. I assure you it was a moving experience. He had trouble getting out of his seat but by all appearances that wouldn’t have stopped him from serving all over again, should the need arise.
The Carolina Theatre is a beautiful historic landmark, perfectly suited for the special program for World War II Veterans. After the live presentation the movie was shown. It was a dignified event and all in attendance were grateful to be there to honor and associate with the Veterans.
In the next article I am going to tell you about my father’s wartime service, which I have only recently found out about. I don’t know much but what little I do know I will share wtith you, including rare photographs from that age.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Hi NH,
The Longest Day is a great movie and important to remind us of the bravery of those men. I think getting off those boats and running onto those beaches must have been terrifying. Especially for those that survived Dunkirk!
That war was a terrible, terrible war. I am just constantly amazed by how many people were affected by it. Both my grandfathers served in the RAF and two great uncles were killed in the tanks in North Africa. My grandmom lived through the Coventry Blitz and barely survived. When I came to Taiwan and visited the Martyrs shrine and read some of their stories, they were equally terrifying.
I hope your dad enjoyed the movie.
Durbanbays last blog post..Taiwan Video 01: The Making of 101
thenhbushman
reply on July 4th, 2008 12:29 am:
Durbanbay » very good reminders. just watching the movie was terrifying. the men knew they had to do it, but stepping off a landing craft knowing that your function is to soak up bullets has got to be one of the worst things one can go through. i enjoyed the movie very much. if one hasn’t seen it recently, it’s worth the effort to find and rent/buy it. thanks for your comments!
durbanbay
reply on July 4th, 2008 10:47 am:
I couldn’t imagine what that would be like. When we were in London earlier this year we spent a lot of time walking around War Memorials to both World Wars. It was really incredible. If you ever have the chance to get to London I recommend going to the War Rooms where Winston Churchill ran his war operation with his general. It was deep underground and they have tried to preserve much of it. They also have a special Churchill museum where you can listen to Churchill’s famous speeches. I blogged about it when I was in London earlier in the year.
Your Dad should be thanked for his service during that time. Their sacrifices and their struggles are unimaginable! I look forward to reading your posts on his service. Being of British descent I mostly have a British perspective on the war. The only American perspective I have ever had are movies. Anyway, take care.
durbanbays last blog post..Taiwan Video 01: The Making of 101
thenhbushman
reply on July 4th, 2008 11:23 am:
durbanbay » sometimes i will say that i’m speaking English because of their sacrifice - which is literally true. never been to Europe but if i were in London i would like to see those places you mentioned. movies are not such a good perspective on Americans but fortunately most Brits seem grateful to the US for wartime support.
thanks for your comments and take care.
Durbanbay
reply on July 7th, 2008 10:32 am:
Hi,
Yeah. We would be speaking German if we had lost the war so I think you are right to say we speak English because of their sacrifice. You are also right that most Brits are thankful for the American contribution to the war. I don’t think the war would have been won without American intervention. The Americans also won the war in the Pacific. The Japs were crazy attacking Pearl Harbor. They could beat everyone except the US.
What pisses most Brits off is Hollywood revisionism. A few years ago there was a movie called U-571 which shows Americans capturing the Enigma decoding device off a German submarine. It was in fact a British crew that carried out the operation. You are right therefore to say films do not give the correct perspective.
Take care
durbanbay
Durbanbays last blog post..Our Travels
thenhbushman
reply on July 7th, 2008 11:05 am:
Durbanbay » i liked the film U-571 and i thank you for the correction because i did not know that was a British crew that accomplished the mission. what was so hard about making it historically accurate? yeah i can see how that would piss of many British veterans! thanks for the comments.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Great post MJ. Excellent pictures and a good story, thanks for sharing. The theatre looks really well looked after, really beautiful.
It looked like your dad had a good day.
What will Elliot study now??
Bruntys last blog post..Rockets on a school football field, Thailand.
July 4th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Brunty »
the theatre was like stepping back in time to an age when people had respect for others. seeing the Veterans there, many of them wearing jackets and ties was a reminder of the integrity those men and women have, and how dedicated their service was in time of dire need. my Dad had a wonderful time. it was one of the high points of our visit.
Elliot is going into missionary training. he is a young man of faith and he’s on the path to becoming a minister.
thanks Brunty. always a pleasure, mate.
July 6th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Mj we need some faith in this day and age. Good luck to him and his pursuits in life.
Bruntys last blog post..Thai dancing girls and games, Thailand.
thenhbushman
reply on July 6th, 2008 3:04 pm:
Brunty » yes, i agree my friend.