D-Day Remembered

I have spent the morning watching D-Day ceremonies on TV and so far, it has been very impressive. Chirac's speach was very good, giving thanks to the young Americans who sacrificed themselves to liberate France and Europe. I first thought that Bush's speach was perhaps too graphic, considering the fact that many in the seats at the American Cemetary were all too familiar with the details, but afterwards one of the announcers mentioned that barely 50% of Americans know what D-Day is. Wow! I am fortunate enough to live within a half a days drive to the landing beaches and I have visited the region multiple times but even prior to my visits, I was aware of D-Day and what it meant to Americans as well as the world. France has done an incredible job with the Calvados region for the 60th anniversary and they've really welcomed vets from all nations involved. I'll be looking forward to the ceremony later in the day that will include Schroeder and Putin together with the Bush, Chirac, Blair and Howard. Who knows, maybe one of these years we will even see the same leaders all meet up for the Stalingrad ceremony. Anyway, I'm glad to see that so far everyone has stayed on the message of D-Day.