Gordon Forgey

Friday was the 70th anniversary of D- Day. the day American and Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, during World War II.

The landings were audacious and fraught with danger. The Germans had spent four years constructing what they called Fortress Europe, massive coastal defenses designed to defeat any attempted invasion.

It took less than a day for allied troops to overcome these defenses. The cost in lives was great, especially on the beach code- named Omaha.

The bravery, determination and innovativeness of individual soldiers is legendary. As plan after plan fell apart in the fighting, the young soldiers accomplished their mission.

Behind those landing on the beaches was an armada of ships, millions of tons of supplies and years of planning. Elaborate deceptions kept some of the enemy at bay. In days, the allies constructed two harbors where there were none. Vital fuel was pumped to the beaches by just-laid undersea pipelines.

It was a massive, masterful undertaking. All the while, Americans were involved in other combat—and landings—around the world.

That was 70 years ago.

We are the same people as those, but we might not be the same.

Today, shooters are killing innocents on the streets or in schools weekly and once the candlelight vigils are over the incidents are forgotten. Instead, we debate whether or not the government should pay for sex change operations and what are appropriate names for sports teams.

One crisis comes on the heels of another, yet these concerns fade over George Clooney’s engagement, what Donald Sterling said to V or Hillary Clinton’s book release.

We honor those who fight our wars, but let them die for lack of medical care.

Today it is entitlements over sacrifice, surface over substance.

We call those who were in their prime 70 years ago “the greatest generation.”

It is a moniker not likely to be attached to us unless we can again find common purpose.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher