63 Years Ago Today.
I wonder if you were to ask one hundred randomly selected Americans under 30 years old what event of historic significance took place on June 6, 1944 how many would answer correctly. I’d bet that fewer than 25 would know the answer, which would be very sad.
Rather than being disappointed by the answers, maybe it’s better just not to ask.
I know what happened, but I’m a wee bit over 30. In 60 or so years, some of those currently under 30 might wonder if any of the future under 30s know what happened on 9/11/01. History is remembered best by those who lived it.
Comment by marydell — June 6, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
…but, if you ask and they don’t know, you can teach them.
Comment by Jean — June 6, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
One of the forgotten things about D-Day is the contribution of the US Coast Guard. Check out this story, the oral history of an assault boat coxswain who was at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
Comment by Ken Adams — June 6, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
Damn. My father–a major US history buff–ensured that I knew “what event of historic significance took place on June 6, 1944” by the time I was eight years old, and similarly had me freakishly trained at that age to be able to recite all 50 states in alphabetical order, followed by their capitals. But I’m 31, so I guess I don’t count.
Comment by Erica — June 6, 2007 @ 11:41 pm
My Dad was a bomber on a B-24. He was in the air on D-Day.
Comment by Jerry — June 6, 2007 @ 11:57 pm
June 6,1944 was 5 days before my third birthday….but I know because mom & dad made sure I knew, they took we children to the cemetary as we got older to offer prayers & thank you`s to those who sacrificed so we could live & grow to maturity in this country. Yes I know & I remember.
Mom & Dad are gone now, but I still know , so do my children & so do my Grand children. Mom & Dad lie at peace in a memorial cemetary dedicated to those brave service personel who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace all of you ….And Thank You!
Comment by dudley1 — June 7, 2007 @ 7:25 am
Are you telling us it’s your birthday? 😀
Comment by Harvey — June 10, 2007 @ 2:46 pm