I woke up on Thursday June 6, 2024 and watched President Joe Biden’s speech from the beach at Normandy. He spoke of the sacrifices made by the United States troops for our freedom. Too many young Americans gave their lives in the effort they were making for our country.
Many were under than 20 years old and many sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the world. Sadly this may be the last year any remaining veterans who fought in that battle will be alive to celebrate this day.
I had the privilege of knowing a veteran who served in Europe at the time. Wilbur Binns was a young man from Oskaloosa was called upon to serve his country. And serve he did and was awarded a Purple Heart for his sacrifice. I met him years later as the grandfather of my future wife. While he wasn’t pleased with my age difference with his granddaughter’s but he welcomed me as a Vietnam Veteran. I spent hours talking with him about his service to our country. I learned so much that day.
As I watched Biden’s speech and the historic videos from those days and I questioned what my grandchildren would know about this day and the events of the past.
Sadly today’s republican leadership (used loosely) is enacting legislation that limits what can be taught in public schools today. No longer can today’s children be taught anything about our country’s past that reflects anything that may be negative. No discussion about previous wars, segregation, integration, the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, religious differences or women’s rights to deal with their own bodies.
When I look forward I wonder what it will be like in just a few years. My grandkids probably won’t know anything about the Civil War or salvery, World War I, Pearl Harbor, the atomic bomb, D Day, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan or any other conflict. Nor will they learn of the sacrifices those who served our country.
They go to schools of their choice, play sports, ride bikes in a world of opportunity, all because of the sacrifices of those who served this country, many giving their lives in the pursuit of their freedom.
Damn the state and federal legislators who have chosen to deny these children a right learn and appreciate the fact that world they live in is because of those who served and sacrificed for them.
I can only hope things change for their sake and that those younger than me share the true history of our country and why they enjoy the freedoms that just seem natural. And for just a moment share that their great grandfather and grandfather served our country for the freedoms they enjoy.
US troops heading to the beaches of Normandy, France with no idea of what lie ahead or whether they would even return home. Normandy landings….
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