Stephen Ambrose the dedicated historian captures the story and emotions of June 6, 1944 in his book
D-Day using more that 1,400 interviews and first hand accounts. It is the story of the largest military action to ever be assembled. We should all remember the sacrifices that so many made that day to ensure our freedom and the freedom of those around the world.
So as we mark Memorial Day 2006 make yourself aware of those who have gone before you and read a book that will fill you with gratitude. D-Day is the story of courage and heroism, fear and determination that secured democracy shaping the twentieth century for millions around the world.
Ambrose was instrumental in starting the
National D-Day Museum in New Orleans. It is the largest collection of eyewitness accounts of a single in the world. I was privileged to have toured the museum shortly after it opened. It is a remarkable reminder of the courage of that day in 1944. You can view some of what is in store for those who attend the museum at D-Day web site.
Citizen Soldiers by Ambrose picks up the story from June 7, 1944 to May 7, 1945. It follows the U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the surrender of Germany. Amborse is a master of the interview process and weaves interviews and historical narrative to create an account that you will not be able to put down. Another work, Band of Brothers was made into a miniseries by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. It follows E Company, 506th Regiment, and 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler’s eagles nest. I have found that D-Day and Citizen Soldiers gave me a very good understanding of what these young men faced. I have been profoundly grateful for their sacrifice.
June 6, 1944 marked the largest single assault in military history. One of the objectives of the battle was the “Spear head” in which the objective was to have a point that broke through the enemy lines so that the Normandy landing could proceed up from the landing site. In this operation troops were flown in plywood gliders under the cover of predawn darkness to secure “Pegasus Bridge.”
