Untold numbers of them died before even reaching the sands, and others died before reaching their objective. And yet, those who lived to secure that objective enabled us to take a most important step in defeating the Nazi military during World War II.

That was eighty years ago. They memorialized them at the cemetery which inters the dead at Normandy. A surprising large number of those brave warriors who fought there somehow managed to survive and to attend that ceremony. These men never forgot, nor could they ever forget the horrors that they faced. So few of us remember or even think about that faithful day, and of the significance it meant to America, to Europe, and to the world. Not even many of our calendars even make mention of it. Not many of our young even have knowledge of what that means to the freedom that much of the world enjoys.

One man stands out reminding us of the importance of that day. Through his movies SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, Schindler LIST, and the television HBO series, BAND OF BROTHERS, in 2002 stands out in reminding us. I was but a child during that war, but somehow I know he has not only given us a reminder, but through a truthful and honest way, he has educated us. Steven Spielberg doesn’t know me, but that is not of significance. What is, is that I respect the heart devoted work he has done in presenting us with the reminding us and the education which should enlighten our knowledge. He and I may believe in different politics, but that absolutely does not matter in deeply respecting a man who has given us a lot through his endeavors.

As with the days of Pearl Harbor and with 9/11, D-day must never be forgotten. We must never forget.

Alexander Wisniewski

June 6, 2024