Ace of Spades HQ

May 26, 2012

The Boys of Pointe du Hoc
— Dave in Texas

Some of them are buried here, at Colleville sur Mer, in Normandy.

Men of the Second Ranger Battalion, led by Lt. Col. James Rudder. Three companies of Rangers scaled a 100 ft cliff with ropes and ladders, under fire. to secure the cliffs. Of the 225 men who assaulted this cliffs, 135 were wounded or killed. After two days of fighting, only 90 could still bear arms.

They took the cliffs. At a terrible cost.

Many of their comrades rest here, in honored glory.

This is what Memorial Day is about.

My favorite Reagan speech is the one where he remembered them,

Faith, and belief. Loyalty and love.

May they be remembered forever.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at 04:04 PM | Comments (105)
Post contains 125 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Flags Of Our Fathers is on AMC.

Posted by: Dr Spank at May 26, 2012 04:08 PM (Sh42X)

2 . . . and Obama will tell us how he killed some old, relatively insignificant, rabble rousing terrorist. Give us a break Obama, you simply can't compete.

Posted by: rplat at May 26, 2012 04:12 PM (wSYyB)

3 Thanks for posting this, the true meaning of Memorial Day. I attended a Memorial Day ceremony today where Gen. Patraeus gave the remarks, and he made this point as well.

Posted by: Boots at May 26, 2012 04:14 PM (neKzn)

4 My uncle would have been 96 this year. Instead he will be forever 28. G-d bless the sacred memory of all who gave their lives.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 26, 2012 04:16 PM (MCDCp)

Reagan speech.

Compare and contrast from the Kenyan lightbringer.

God, I hate that sonofabitch.....

Memo to Secret Service: After you put down your ho's, I'll be waiting. Assholes.

Posted by: Tricky Dick's Tape Deck at May 26, 2012 04:21 PM (V0DJ8)

6 Amen. As the Good Book says, "no greater love...."

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 04:21 PM (AxHOT)

7 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

Posted by: steevy at May 26, 2012 04:24 PM (7W3wI)

8 Now the French embrace Socialism..We the People should bring them home..

Posted by: clemenza at May 26, 2012 04:27 PM (Gfofo)

9 What's full strength for a Ranger Company?
Regular Inf was usually about 200+/- when I was in the Army.

235 for 3 Companies?

Talk about tackling a big job with small numbers.

Posted by: ontherocks at May 26, 2012 04:29 PM (aZ6ew)

10 Greatest president of the past 50 years, and probably the past 100. Note to Ron Paul: Listen closely at about the 10 minute mark. You might learn something.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 26, 2012 04:30 PM (MCDCp)

11 God bless them.

Posted by: mama winger at May 26, 2012 04:30 PM (P6QsQ)

12 When we were stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany way back when, Daddy took us to Normandy. I remember wandering among white crosses and not really understanding what it was all about.

God bless them all.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 04:35 PM (UOM48)

13 Greatest president of the past 50 years, and probably the past 100.

I listened to his speech in full for the first time in ages. I actually teared up. God, I miss that man

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 04:36 PM (AxHOT)

14 I'm hoping and praying we don't see or hear from the SCOAMF this Memorial Day. The troops know he doesn't care about them, and the majority of them can't stand his Commie ass.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 04:37 PM (UOM48)

15 My younger son is going to France on a student exchange. The teacher asked the kids what was the ONE thing they hoped to include in the trip. Mine said, "Going to Normandy."

Posted by: goddessoftheclassroom at May 26, 2012 04:38 PM (7IR9P)

16 This nation needs an enema. How the f*ck could we go from that greatness that was Ronald Reagan to this cocksucker poseur we have now? I don't get it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at May 26, 2012 04:39 PM (jucos)

17 Though his staff would prolly like to script an appearance for max Campaign impact, their instincts for sacrifice and patriotism are nonexistent, and whatever he might do will look pathetically transparent to all but the moochers and commie Kool Aid drunks.

Posted by: ontherocks at May 26, 2012 04:42 PM (aZ6ew)

18 GOTC is here. Sorry about my language. Nice to see you here.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at May 26, 2012 04:45 PM (jucos)

19 That speech is one of the couple of noteworthy things Peggy Noonan ever did in her life.

Posted by: Andy at May 26, 2012 04:45 PM (XG+Mn)

20 Infantry companies are 144, theoretically. I recall Ranger companies being larger ( to accommodate the bigger balls )

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 04:46 PM (Dll6b)

Reagan probably wrote that speech himself. I'd bet on it.

Today we have a focus-group tested non-entity reading someone else's Pravda column off a Teleprompter.

Posted by: spongeworthy at May 26, 2012 04:47 PM (r5w1L)

22 Jane, I missed you this morning, but God bless D'oh boy and all his brothers out there in the field.

Posted by: Andy at May 26, 2012 04:47 PM (XG+Mn)

23 This nation needs an enema. How the f*ck could we go from that greatness that was Ronald Reagan to this cocksucker poseur we have now? I don't get it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at May 26, 2012 08:39 PM (jucos)

But wasn't he just an actor? An old man? An amiable dunce? Obama is an intellectual... cool and detached.... better than the rest of mortal man....

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 04:47 PM (AxHOT)

24 >> Reagan probably wrote that speech himself. I'd bet on it.

You'd lose. See my #19.

Posted by: Andy at May 26, 2012 04:48 PM (XG+Mn)

25 Ronald Reagan started the tradition of saluting the Marine guards.I wished he hadn't when Bill Clinton disgraced the office,seeing that shit salute raised my blood pressure to dangerous levels.Than Obama was elected....

Posted by: steevy at May 26, 2012 04:48 PM (7W3wI)

26 That speech is one of the couple of noteworthy things Peggy Noonan ever did in her life.

Posted by: Andy at May 26, 2012 08:45 PM (XG+Mn)

Peggy Noonan can be annoying at times, but damn, the woman can write.

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 04:49 PM (AxHOT)

27 But wasn't he just an actor? An old man? An amiable dunce? Obama is an intellectual... cool and detached.... better than the rest of mortal man.... Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 08:47 PM (AxHOT) ----------------------------------------------------------- He IS the most interesting man in the world.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at May 26, 2012 04:50 PM (jucos)

28 18 Truck Monkey How sweet! However, I hang out here for the content and kindred spirits, not how those thoughts are expressed. Also, I have a crush on Ace.

Posted by: goddessoftheclassroom at May 26, 2012 04:50 PM (7IR9P)

29 O.M.G. Commercial break at Flags of Our Fathers.

Most horrific landing scene ever. Far more graphic and bloody than Saving Private Ryan.

Those poor baby boys (as a mil mom I call them that....out of loving concern).

Dear God.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 04:50 PM (UOM48)

30 Also, I have a crush on Ace.

Posted by: goddessoftheclassroom at May 26, 2012 08:50 PM (7IR9P)

No! Don't do it! Life is worth living! Call 911, they'll get you the help you need!

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 04:52 PM (AxHOT)

31 Everyone please remember that at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day people around the country will be pausing for a minute of silence in memory of our fallen.

Except Barry, who will be tossing a ball out of the rough onto the fairway, and Mooch is attending a Beyonce concert in Atlantic City followed by a fundraiser in NYC.

Stay klassy, Obamas.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 04:53 PM (UOM48)

32 Hey, anybody recall those any memorable Memorial Day utterances spoken by the Kineticist-in-Chief? . . . Anyone? Well, let's give him one more chance, Monday.

Posted by: The littl shyning man at May 26, 2012 04:55 PM (PH+2B)

33 4 My uncle would have been 96 this year. Instead he will be forever 28.

God bless him.

Posted by: Dr Spank at May 26, 2012 04:56 PM (Sh42X)

34 For those who cant answer roll, we respond here

Posted by: Ag at May 26, 2012 04:56 PM (5fspx)

35 I'd rather Preznit Training Pants keep his pie hole shut and not ruin any Memorial Day ceremonies.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at May 26, 2012 05:00 PM (jucos)

36 I fly for the largest airline in the world. I've been everywhere. The cemetery at Colleville is the most moving place you could ever visit as a lover of America and the best this country has to offer. The next most amazing sight was the number of American flags flying on the homes that line the beach adjacent to Point du Hoc. A silent "merci" for those G.I.'s that gave their last full measure. The rest of France? Meh.

Posted by: busdrivee at May 26, 2012 05:02 PM (KCr7R)

37 Here's to my late Daddy, a WW II and Korea vet, and to his daddy who I never met, who fought as a Lt. in the Battle of the Argonne Forest in WW I and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. I wish I could have known him.

Not to forget my son's namesake, who along with his sons, fought the Brits in the Revolutionary War.

Here's to them all.

I hope SCOAMF keeps his pie-hole shut, along with his idiot sidekick, Biden. Then it will be a nice Memorial Day.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 05:05 PM (UOM48)

38 My uncle would have been 96 this year. Instead he will be forever 28.
G-d bless the sacred memory of all who gave their lives.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 26, 2012 08:16 PM (MCDCp)

Amen. I lost two uncles over the English Channel in 1942. I often think of how it would have been to get to know them, and I feel, frankly, resentful.

But then I consider that they died as heroes, fighting for the country they loved, and I love. And I feel guilty. My country needed them more than I do.

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 05:06 PM (AxHOT)

39 Mine said, "Going to Normandy."

Posted by: goddessoftheclassroom at May 26, 2012 08:38 PM (7IR9P)

It's a humbling experience to be on the beach and the cemetary. I hope he gets a chance to go to Mont St. Michel which isn't far away.

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 05:06 PM (0JSlq)

40 As much as I like the acronyms SCOAMF and JEF, I have to admit Choom has a succinct capture of a certain Preznit Slacker Commie Goofball.

Posted by: ontherocks at May 26, 2012 05:07 PM (aZ6ew)

41 Ronald Reagan should be on Mt Rushmore.

Posted by: LaZrtx at May 26, 2012 05:07 PM (bK81x)

42 Ronald Reagan should be on Mt Rushmore.

Posted by: LaZrtx at May 26, 2012 09:07 PM (bK81x)

Too soon (see Roosevelt, T). But in another 25 years, absolutely

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 05:10 PM (AxHOT)

43 I fly for the largest airline in the world.

Back in the 80's that would have been Aeroflot.

Posted by: Purp (@PurpAv) at May 26, 2012 05:11 PM (lD69Q)

44 I fly for the largest airline in the world. Back in the 80's that would have been Aeroflot. Posted by: Purp (@PurpAv) at May 26, 2012 09:11 PM (lD69Q) If obama is re-elected it may be again.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 26, 2012 05:13 PM (05RcU)

45 My uncle would have been 96 this year. Instead he will be forever 28.

G-d bless the sacred memory of all who gave their lives.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 26, 2012 08:16 PM (MCDCp)

One of my uncles, the last survivor of my father's generation until recently, was set to be in the first wave at Normandy until Patton made a decision to hold his outfit back for support. No idea why that decision was made

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 05:13 PM (0JSlq)

46 The Dog Eater was wounded in the Battle of Chateaubriand. Reports at the time indicated he got stabbed with a fork after getting between the Mooch and the melted butter for her lobster. Poor dumb bastard never saw it coming.

Posted by: Ammo Dump at May 26, 2012 05:14 PM (YYyqq)

47 Shit more rain here NYC tomorrow. I guess the Whites are gonna get wet

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 26, 2012 05:16 PM (05RcU)

48 36 I fly for the largest airline in the world. I've been everywhere. The cemetery at Colleville is the most moving place you could ever visit as a lover of America and the best this country has to offer. The next most amazing sight was the number of American flags flying on the homes that line the beach adjacent to Point du Hoc. A silent "merci" for those G.I.'s that gave their last full measure. The rest of France? Meh.

Posted by: busdrivee at May 26, 2012 09:02 PM (KCr7R)

Go USAF!!!

Posted by: Ammo Dump at May 26, 2012 05:17 PM (YYyqq)

49 47 Shit more rain here NYC tomorrow. I guess the Whites are gonna get wet

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 26, 2012 09:16 PM (05RcU

We're getting Beryl beginning tomorrow. We really, really need the rain. Wind damage? Not so much.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 05:20 PM (UOM48)

50 @45
Patton was used as a feint for an attack at Pas de Calais where Hitler was convinced the invasion was to come.

.....gotta go to work on the Vampire shift, grabbing my garlic and I'm off.

Nite folks, and have a good Memorial Day.

Posted by: ontherocks at May 26, 2012 05:20 PM (aZ6ew)

51 Shit more rain here NYC tomorrow. I guess the Whites are gonna get wet

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 26, 2012 09:16 PM (05RcU)

I've started collecting animals two of each.

Posted by: Tami at May 26, 2012 05:23 PM (X6akg)

52 I've started collecting animals two of each. Posted by: Tami at May 26, 2012 09:23 PM (X6akg) I have 3 cats, how am I gonna break the news to one we have to leave behind?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 26, 2012 05:26 PM (05RcU)

53 think what you want of the French, but there are a dozen American military cemeteries in France, and they are always in immaculate condition

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 05:27 PM (Dll6b)

54 think what you want of the French, but there are a dozen American military cemeteries in France, and they are always in immaculate condition Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 09:27 PM (Dll6b) Sure the French love dead Americans, it's breathing ones they hate

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 26, 2012 05:29 PM (05RcU)

55 think what you want of the French, but there are a dozen American military cemeteries in France, and they are always in immaculate condition

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 09:27 PM (Dll6b

Troo dat. I'm a big fan of la France and have yet to have a bad experience there (including being fingered for shoplifting followed by profuse apologies when the error was realized). Normandy is particularly good.

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 05:30 PM (0JSlq)

56 My husband has suggested anyone wanting to come to Savannah for a meet-up come in late October. Seriously. It's already in the 90s and will be in the 100+ heat index by late June through Sept. If you're not used to heat and coastal humidity, fuhgedaboutit.

I'm more than happy to arrange the meet-up, but if it's extremely hot and humid I have no idea how the morons/ettes will react. Badly, I expect.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 05:32 PM (UOM48)

57 Pointe du Hoc, I'll be there June 14th, this year. Rangers lead the way.

Posted by: easy at May 26, 2012 05:32 PM (9KFE7)

58 I have 3 cats, how am I gonna break the news to one we have to leave behind?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 26, 2012 09:26 PM (05RcU)

You'll be staying with that one....I'm ONLY take the two cats.

Posted by: Tami at May 26, 2012 05:35 PM (X6akg)

59 think what you want of the French, but there are a dozen American military cemeteries in France, and they are always in immaculate condition

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 09:27 PM (Dll6b)

Aren't they considered American soil, and we maintain them?

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 05:36 PM (AxHOT)

60 Those soldiers will face God having given their lives to free persons they did not know and did not even speak the same language. They will receive their rewards.

Those euro-socialists who destroyed that gift of freedom and their once proud peoples, will also get their rewards.

Posted by: Shiggz Rocketsurgeon at May 26, 2012 05:37 PM (RfvTE)

61 My point was just that no matter how the eurocommies crap all over their freedom, does not leave one spec of dirt on those who fought to free them.

Posted by: Shiggz Rocketsurgeon at May 26, 2012 05:38 PM (RfvTE)

62 A visit to Normandy will change the way you think about many things in life, all those silent white crosses and david stars on the deep green grass above the sea. Yes it will.

Posted by: mytralman at May 26, 2012 05:38 PM (B1GUm)

63 Oh my. I had never heard the whole speech before.

*tears*

Posted by: PJ at May 26, 2012 05:41 PM (DQHjw)

64 Aren't they considered American soil, and we maintain them? Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 09:36 PM (AxHOT) ----------------------------------------------------- Yes. They are administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at May 26, 2012 05:41 PM (jucos)

65 Aren't they considered American soil, and we maintain them?

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 09:36 PM (AxHOT)

Yes to the first and I don't think so to the second (but I don't know that with 100% certainty)

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 05:41 PM (0JSlq)

66 A visit to Normandy will change the way you think about many things in life, all those silent white crosses and david stars on the deep green grass above the sea. Yes it will.

Posted by: mytralman at May 26, 2012 09:38 PM (B1GUm)

Those who have been there- any suggestions on airlines, places to stay, tours, etc?

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 05:41 PM (AxHOT)

67 Nice share. Now that's a palate cleanser. Ronnie looks to be 60 years old...if that. How vibrant and real. We were lucky to have him.

Posted by: Nutmeg Moron at May 26, 2012 05:42 PM (Vg4Vv)

68 I defer to Truck Monkey

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 05:42 PM (0JSlq)

69 chemjeff, EVERYONE here has told me I'd be crazy to host an event here with non-southern morons.

However, I could host an early event for the Hardy Horde.

Just remember, hurricane season, heat, etc.

Oh, and we're about to experience our second tropical storm of the season (which is weird).

Let me know what you think.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 05:44 PM (UOM48)

70 Took our son to DC years ago and while my husband was attending a meeting, found the name of the young "class clown" from my high school who died in 'Nam his third week there on The Wall. I wept seeing his name. He was such a sweet, goofy kid. The only one in our class who either didn't try or just didn't make it into college.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 05:48 PM (UOM48)

71 You know what Reagan didn't say in this speech? I, Me, My. God, I miss him.

Posted by: Brendon Carr at May 26, 2012 05:50 PM (97Y1f)

72 I remember taking my aunt and uncle to the wall when they visited me here in DC. My uncle, who served in Viet Nam, cried like a little girl as he started to find names of his friends who didn't come home. He told me later that he never allowed himself to grieve while there and it hit him hard when he saw their names on the wall. I will say this..... the park service people who work the wall are fantastic. Almost like de facto grievance counselors.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at May 26, 2012 05:53 PM (jucos)

73 Those who have been there- any suggestions on airlines, places to stay, tours, etc?

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 09:41 PM (AxHOT)

I was there in the early 90s where we stayed with a family of a girl who'd been an exchange student with us outside of Paris. The father made all the reservations for us. We stayed at Bayeux which is a reasonably short drive from the beaches. There might be tours but you really don't need them imo because the whole place is pretty self explanatory and well marked; plus there are small museums there. Driving in France (outside of Paris which is a clusterfuck) is pretty easy except you can't turn left off of roads but have to use a turnoff to the right which takes you perpendicular (I almost killed us all learning that lesson).

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 05:55 PM (0JSlq)

74 Fucking axelturfer shitting all over the last thread.

Posted by: steevy at May 26, 2012 05:58 PM (7W3wI)

Here's to two of my uncles who were WW2 vets. Francis spent two years in the South Pacific, never talked about it; came back to Nebraska, married, farmed for over forty years , raised fou r kids. At a family reunion in 1996, a few months after the Enola Gay museum controversy, he said he had no regrets about Hiroshima and Nagasaki; in fact, he thought maybe we should have dropped a few more.

Uncle Howard was with the Army in Europe; like Francis, he never talked about it, but when he went back for the fiftieth anniversary of D Day the memories were too much for him; he came close to a nervous breakdown.

I read stories about WW2- and Iraq, and Afghanistan, and wonder how our men and women could do what they did. I'm humbled and very grateful.

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at May 26, 2012 05:59 PM (Jtqva)

76 You know what Reagan didn't say in this speech? I, Me, My. God, I miss him.

Posted by: Brendon Carr at May 26, 2012 09:50 PM (97Y1f)

Yet Reagan DID reference the Almighty. How clear a distinction do we need?

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 05:59 PM (AxHOT)

77 74 The turn off thing is the same in New Jersey.

Posted by: steevy at May 26, 2012 05:59 PM (7W3wI)

78 I posted this earlier today, but this is an epic Marine Gunny motivational speech prior to the attack on Marjah, A-Stan.

F-bomb alert but worth it.

Happy Memorial Day.

http://tinyurl.com/6akpxnq

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 06:00 PM (UOM48)

79 Hey choomers, My uncle was a ranger a pointe du hoc he survived it only to die in a car accident the year before I was born. My middle name is his first name. He survived the car wreck too but his back was broken and the ambulance drivers killed him loading him into the ambulance.

Posted by: robtr at May 26, 2012 06:00 PM (MtwBb)

80 Stossel now on. It's about the war on poverty

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at May 26, 2012 06:01 PM (piMMO)

81 I went to the wall about 2am when nobody was there and spent several hours. I looked at every name. Its a moving experience.

Posted by: Purp (@PurpAv) at May 26, 2012 06:02 PM (lD69Q)

82 The turn off thing is the same in New Jersey.

They're called jug-handles. Some have bars.

Posted by: DaveA at May 26, 2012 06:03 PM (ovmhQ)

83 It's about the war on poverty

That was essentially won 20 years ago. The war on stupidity is ongoing with no end in sight...

Posted by: Purp (@PurpAv) at May 26, 2012 06:04 PM (lD69Q)

84 That was essentially won 20 years ago. The war on stupidity is ongoing with no end in sight... **** bingo

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at May 26, 2012 06:06 PM (piMMO)

85 83 I know,I didn't use the name so as to not confuse the unfamiliar.They are actually good because you don't have idiots holding up a lane of traffic to make a left turn.

Posted by: steevy at May 26, 2012 06:07 PM (7W3wI)

86 Fucking axelturfer shitting all over the last thread.

Posted by: steevy at May 26, 2012 09:58 PM (7W3wI)

Probably navycopjoe. He gets bored easily.

Posted by: Ronster at May 26, 2012 06:13 PM (mHC3R)

87 I posted this earlier today, but this is an epic Marine Gunny motivational speech prior to the attack on Marjah, A-Stan.

F-bomb alert but worth it.

http://tinyurl.com/6akpxnq

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 10:00 PM (UOM4

Jane, that was beautiful. Although it upsets me because the biggest regret of my life is that I never served. I came of age after Viet Nam when Carter was eviscerating the military. I was ROTC, but the program was a PR scam. I got rejected, as did 75% of my fellow cadets (long story)

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 06:14 PM (AxHOT)

88 I know,I didn't use the name so as to not confuse the unfamiliar.They are actually good because you don't have idiots holding up a lane of traffic to make a left turn.

Posted by: steevy at May 26, 2012 10:07 PM (7W3wI)

They make complete sense once you realize they're there. One additional unique thing about French driving: when you get in a traffic circle out in the sticks, rather than give a road number they give a destination on the signs. I spent multiple rotations in one while Mrs Hate, who is almost dyslexic when it comes to reading maps, figured out where the hell would be a likely destination on the road we wanted.

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 06:15 PM (0JSlq)

89 The cemeteries are ' French soil' and are maintained by the French. The group noted above provides a lot of the funding.

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 06:16 PM (Dll6b)

90 The first rule of being a WWII vet is you don't talk about being a WWII vet.

May God bless all the guys and their families. They suffered more than we will ever know.

Posted by: Jimbo at May 26, 2012 06:16 PM (O3R/2)

91 I went to the wall about 2am when nobody was there and spent several hours. I looked at every name. Its a moving experience.

Posted by: Purp (@PurpAv) at May 26, 2012 10:02 PM (lD69Q)

Yes it is, I've been three times. I have tracings framed and hanging in my office of 8 freinds who are there now.

Posted by: robtr at May 26, 2012 06:17 PM (MtwBb)

92 Patton is buried in an American cemetery in Luxembourg. His grave was towards the back, but recently they moved it up front.

it's 'Luxembourg soil', so watch your step. They play hardball there...

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 06:19 PM (Dll6b)

93 The cemeteries are ' French soil'

If so that's changed since I was there because the signs were very specific in pointing out that the cemetery was given to the US and was considered US territory (although it's not like you have to present a passport there).

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 06:24 PM (0JSlq)

94 I've encouraged our deployed Marine to talk with me via e-mail. He's young and brave, but he's told me a few things that are chilling. I'm a tough mom and want him to be able to unload on me if it keeps him from suffering mental crap when he comes home. It's my job as a mom.

Older retired vets have scolded me and told me I should never encourage that talk. My response is my paternal grandfather I never knew who came home a hero from WW I and quietly drank himself to death at 45. He never talked.

In my dad's last days he wanted to talk, but wasn't able.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 06:24 PM (UOM48)

95 94 Jane D'oh, you should do what you think is best. Don't plan your party around me, that's for sure. I probably wouldn't be able to come in October but I am sure you will have a great time.

Posted by: chemjeff at May 26, 2012 10:22 PM (7FadD

Hey, nothing's planned yet. Don't write off a summer meet up. Just don't bitch about the heat, humidity and hurricanes.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 26, 2012 06:26 PM (UOM48)

96 given to the US and was considered US territory (although it's not like you have to present a passport there).

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 26, 2012 10:24 PM (0JSlq)

yes, by treaty, not as a matter of sovereignty. The cemeteries are in France, whose government has obligated itself by treaty to consider US interests. The remains themselves are US property. It's complicated...

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 06:34 PM (Dll6b)

97 The American Battle Momuments Commission has video tours of the various cemeteries around the world.
Quite moving.

Posted by: Richard Aubrey at May 26, 2012 06:36 PM (z4bFV)

98 you can't run to one of the cemeteries and claim immunity from French law; it's not like crossing into Mexico after you've robbed the neighborhood 7/11

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 06:36 PM (Dll6b)

99 The American Battle Momuments Commission

is invested by treaty / mutual courtesy ( going back to WWII between the USA and the 'Free French' govt of DeGaulle ) with the authority to administer the cemeteries, and disperse govt funds and private donations

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, not a snake-eater at May 26, 2012 06:39 PM (Dll6b)

100

>>>Those who have been there- any suggestions on airlines, places to stay, tours, etc?

Posted by: Ombudsman at May 26, 2012 09:41 PM (AxHOT)<<<

We are staying here:

http://tiny.cc/fp4xew

Posted by: easy at May 26, 2012 06:49 PM (9KFE7)

101 The only reason that I wish to go back to Europe is to pay my respects to American troops who fought in WWI and WWII. I want to visit the battlefields and the memorials and the cemeteries. I wish that I could go to Korea and Vietnam, and visit those battlefields as well.

Welcome Home to all who have served.

Posted by: Feynmangroupie at May 26, 2012 07:10 PM (oI744)

102 Went to Normandy a couple of years ago. There's a plaque at Point du Hoc with an exerpt from Reagan's speech. Very moving.

Posted by: bookaday at May 26, 2012 07:47 PM (xpatZ)

103 "...The men of Normandy had faith that ...a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next...."

That is what rhetoric is all about.

Posted by: Cicero at May 26, 2012 08:15 PM (u3N3z)

104

THAT is how the President of the United States of America speaks.

Posted by: sherlock at May 26, 2012 09:16 PM (f29LO)

105 Ombudsman:Try going to Paris for a few days so you can pick a bright clean day to go. It is a two hour ride with nice country side in between. Driving in France requires the attention of two people. Do not drink alcohol during the trip. Also of note are many other cemeteries in France from WWI. There are many soldiers of many nations who died on the poppy fields and in the mud of France in the 20th century. Everything going on in Europe today is a result of their sacrifices, good and bad.

Posted by: mytralman at May 27, 2012 06:25 AM (BpJAb)

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