Remembering D-Day

The words of US Navy Admiral Chester Nimitz in memory of all who fought and died in battle.

Today, let us fulfil the solemn obligation that Admiral Nimitz draws our attention to in the above inscription. Let us remember those twho have given their lives, as well as those that survived on this day, June 6th, 1944.

D -Day, otherwise known as the Normandy landings, was the allied invasion of France to reclaim Europe and its people from the hands and occupation of Nazi Germany. The Normandy landings laid the foundation for allied victory on the western front. On this day 2,501 Americans were killed. 1,449 British were killed. 391 Canadians were killed. And 73 from other nations on the allied side were killed.

I invite you to pause with me today. Sacrifice several moments as you read this to remember those young men and women who gave everything so that we might have today.

Can I invite you to also pause and reflect on the words spoken by Jesus of Nazareth as recorded by one of his disciples? He spoke to his friends on the importance of "abiding" in him—finding their centre and their life-source in him. Jesus also spoke of love, real love that is an action and not a mere sentiment, when He says this: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Jesus, of course, was speaking of his love for us and how he would go on to give that life for us. Today, let us remember, and let our remembrance lead to action.

Slainte.

John Corcoran.