D-Day 😢

On reflection, no and that was harsh of me, so I retract that rather insensitive comment.

The reality is it’s more than likely because it is not as great a talking point for politicians and doesn’t appeal.

Likewise with the media, they even cock up reporting on the military campaign so I can’t imagine the butchering the less well known elements of the would get.

Even the likes of the SOE barely get a mention, who without them the allies wouldn’t have even known the reality of the ground.

It should not be down to their descendants.

I meant in terms of their associations and modern incarnations. Not family. That’s the reason such associations exist, to advocate and be the voice to ensure that those who contributed are known and heard.

I agree with all that, apart from the last point… associations don’t cut through because we as a society (media, government, population) turn away from them and focus on the military. It is entirely understandable that happens, which is why we all need to be conscious of widening the focus… otherwise the risk is it will continue to narrow as time moves on.

I disagree. If they are not finding ways to work for their members, then why do they exist? It should be enshrined in their charter and if they’re not out there beating their drum then they’re failing.

Sadly I can’t apologise for civilians having a weird obsession with war, you’d have to take that up with them directly as if they had the remotest of insights they’d probably be less inclined to be as enthusiastic about it.

The reality is it’s more than likely because it is not as great a talking point for politicians and doesn’t appeal.

This is my worry in this day and age, particularly when I look at the news and see how the far right are polling across Europe and the World.

I think it’s absolutely right you remember your friends and colleagues and encourage others to be thankful for their sacrifices.

But I’d be lying if I didn’t say the enthusiasm politicians and some members of the public ‘honour’ the soldiers with on D-Day doesn’t make me a little uncomfortable.

But I do apologise for saying fetishising earlier.  That was unnecessarily inflammatory.

But I’d be lying if I didn’t say the enthusiasm politicians and some members of the public ‘honour’ the soldiers with on D-Day doesn’t make me a little uncomfortable.

See my comment to Kelvin, (some) civvies have always had a rather weird obsession with war. One could speculate why, but that’s something that is doubtful going to go away.

I’ve met some truly strange people at public engagement events over the years.

1st hand as I am here in Normandie as I right this, with my WW2 Willys Jeep.
No I am not wearing a uniform. Let’s park that one, nor have I ever. But there’s a lot of it about, maybe too much, and the standard in some cases isn’t high enough.
What do the locals think? Well it’s a big part of the local economy, there’s no escaping that.

but in general, they are really pleased to see people come over, in my experience.
they like that we remember their liberation (by the Allied forces, all of them.) I had a Gendarme flash his lights and give me the V for victory salute today.

the 5th/6th mark the major turning point in the war against fascism, with fall of Rome and the invasion of NW Europe.
That’s something we should mark by remembrance, celebration and a watchful eye on the future.

Honestly, this is really a very good documentary.