So, it didn’t seem to get much attention from the media, but today is a day that should not go unnoticed. It marks the 63rd anniversary of the events that changed the world. In fact, many believe June 6, 1944 may be the most significant day of the 2oth century. On that day, immortalized as “D-Day,” the course of World War II and subsequently, the world, changed. (I am completely aware that I link to a lot of things in this blog – actually reading that article is one link I promise is worth your time).
In the midst of the current war, a conflict that seemingly will never end and seemingly serves no purpose but to line the pockets of oil executives and defense contractors, it can be difficult to remember that there have been some worthwhile battles fought by the American military. World War II is strange to discuss because the U.S. did not become involved until American interests were explicitly threatened. Although the timing can be debated (America ideally should have been there as soon as the government learned about the concentration camps), two things that can not be debated are the need to stop the Nazi war machine and the importance of the American contribution to the Allied effort. That effort, and the spirit of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen, are encapsulated by the events of June 6, 1944.
I thought long and hard about what media could truly memorialize their efforts. Numerous documentaries exist, as do many historical fiction accounts of that day, such as Saving Private Ryan, and of course, there are thousands of memorable images. However, in the end, I chose something different:
It may seem trivial to remember actual events through a video game. However, I made the decision to use the introduction to Medal of Honor: Frontline, for several reasons.
1. Along with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold Speech, the Order of the Day for June 6, 1944 by General Eisenhower (which is read in a condensed format in the video) remains in my mind as one of the greatest oratorical moments in history. You can find the transcript of the full speech here. (Wouldn’t it be nice if anybody in our current government could speak so eloquently, clearly, and truthfully today?)
2. The slide show provides a lasting image of how much preparation went into the assault, the overwhelming defenses they faced, and what that day was like for the Allied forces.
3. I still vividly remember seeing that video, the first time I played that video game, and that was several years ago. Such a memorable film seems an appropriate tribute to all those that were serving anywhere in the world during WWII.
Two years ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to fulfill a dream by making a trip to Normandy, the region of France where the D-Day landings took place. I attended Mass in the famous cathedral there, walked down many side streets that still flew American flags, and visited Omaha Beach, the American cemetery, and Pointe Du Hoc, where many of the German heavy guns were located.
Each place, in a different way, brought home with gravitas the seriousness of what went on there so many years ago. It was truly an awe-inspiring moment, the sort that makes one rejoice and despair about the positive and negative limits of humanity. The only parallel I can make to these moments is when a Catholic sees a place like the Sistine Chapel, when a Muslim stands before the Kaaba, or other such religious moments. If any of you have the means and opportunity to do so, I would strongly suggest you make a trip to the region and take it all in. Denis and Blood, I can only hope I’ll see you there in 37 years.
