Remembering D-Day. We will Never Forget. See video at end of post.
“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Remembering D-Day. We will never forget
Today is the day we pause to remember those who gave it all, everything they had, to preserve freedom and overcome tyranny. It was June 6, 1944, 81 years ago today, that the Allies launched the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France, to free that country and begin to change the direction of the war in Europe. This period in history is significant to many people worldwide. This period of time holds particular importance for the Giustozzi family. I would like to take a few minutes to reflect on the sacrifices of the men who fought in this critical battle, as well as the women who supported them, and consider why it’s important to the world, and especially to my family. Would you please join me for a few minutes to reflect?
A humbling experience
Diane and I enjoy traveling, and we especially enjoy traveling to Europe. We were recently blessed to travel to France and visit Normandy and the surrounding area, just before the 81st anniversary of D-Day and as local preparations were underway to remember the special day of June 6. My daughter, currently stationed in Europe, and her boyfriend, Jonathon, escorted us as we visited Utah and Omaha Beaches. We went to Pointe du Hoc and observed the cliffs that the Army Rangers had scaled. All paid a terrible price. We visited museums and listened to recorded stories from actual participants in the battle, which have been preserved for all time. We saw bombed-out bunkers, destroyed cannons still resting inside. Craters, literally one upon the other, were created by shelling from American battleships that are still there to this day. Hills and beaches where so many men died. We experienced the retiring of the colors and taps at the Normandy American Cemetery (be sure to watch the video at the end of this post), where the graves of 9,389 rest for eternity. I wept. Silently, as tears streamed down my cheeks, all I could think about was the quote from the Bible, John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
Later, we were able to spend Memorial Day honoring my uncle, August Giustozzi, who gave his life in western France, following his brave fellow soldiers just a few short months after D-Day. I wept there too. Cried like a baby is more appropriate, as PFC Giustozzi and 10,481 soldiers were honored in a 21-gun salute. And more importantly, the French have never forgotten the sacrifice of American sons and daughters, and they, military and civilian, were there as well to honor our troops. Just like they do every year. Being there, being part of it, is humbling.
The quote you see at the beginning is generally attributed to George Santayana or perhaps Winston Churchill, who used it as well, and I couldn't help but think of it as we toured Normandy and the surrounding area, and later eastern France, just a short two weeks ago. In Normandy, people from all over the world come to see the battle grounds and honor the fallen, and I hope they also come to learn from what happened there 81 years ago.
Never again?
It is now June 2025, and I wonder if the world has learned the lessons of tyranny and oppression. History tells us we should have learned that lesson after World War I, but just a short time later, we were required to deal with it again in World War II. I fear the world has not learned these lessons, and I hope I am wrong. I am reminded again of another quote, this one attributed to British historian Lord Acton: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I dread the possibility that free nations will once again be called upon to face down tyranny and oppression in the world. God help us and protect us.
It's personal
As we remember D-Day, I reflect upon not only the sacrifices made by so many, but the sacrifices made by my own family in defending freedom around the world. My uncle August, son of Italian immigrants who came to this country seeking a better life a mere 20 years earlier, sent their oldest son off to war, never to return, giving it all on November 3, 1944. My own service of eight years, beginning and coinciding with the Iranian revolution in 1979, reminded me of the need to keep tyranny in check. Now the third generation of Giustozzi’s serves to protect freedom around the world. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to serve others. Please keep our warriors safe and bring them home. Allow Your light to shine across the globe, as all people bow in humility and reverence of Your holiness.
Thank you
If you’ve been reading these posts for the 11 months I’ve been producing them, you’ll recognize a theme that runs through them—service to country, service to others, hard work, and sacrifice. We will never forget the sacrifice of those before us or our warriors who serve today, whether it’s Normandy, Kabel, Mosul, Vietnam, or wherever. We will always remember, we will never forget.
To American warriors everywhere who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today, thank you. Rest in Peace. To all who have served or are serving, thank you. To those who serve us every day here at home —police, firefighters, and first responders —thank you. There is no higher honor than to serve the country and the people of the country we love.
August N. Giustozzi. Memorial Day remembrance, May 25, 2025
What’s in it for Me
Freedom is never free and the price of freedom is high and has been paid by many before us. Let’s be like the French I witnessed recently, and never forget our American heroes. Let’s learn the lessons of tyranny and vow never to repeat them again.
Call to Action
Reflect on what D-Day and military service mean not just to those who serve, but to those of us who have been served. Pause and pray that our leaders have the wisdom and discernment to address tyranny worldwide.
Recommended Resources
D-Day 6 June, 1944-The Battle for The Normandy Beaches by Stephen Ambrose.
Up Next
Things I learned from my father.
Notes
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on the sale of any of these recommended resources.
None for this week.
Taps and retiring the colors, Normandy US Military Cemetery, May 22, 2025