Lost generation remembers sacrifices
Some years ago, a group of my friends were visiting England. After a while they decided to go to France. They boarded ships and boats and went to France. The ships had no place to dock, so they used a little shuttle boat to go to shore. The small boat developed problems and sank leaving the people to swim or wade to shore.
On their way to shore, some of them developed a piercing headache and had to rest in the water — floating, half-submerged. Others arrived at the shore only to develop a severe stomach ache. They lay on the beach, holding their stomachs, quietly resting.
All were met with a large welcoming party, mostly Germans, who gave them a warm and hearty welcome. Some left England by air, some in gliders towed by airplanes, only to crash land in France. Some used parachutes to have a surprise party, but were given a warm welcome by the Germans.
My daily newspaper did not say anything about it. After all, it was 69 years ago and insignificant. The paper had important things to talk about, like a teenager being charged of a crime or other important facts.
I am nearly 90 years old and of a lost generation, but I will never forget and I will always appreciate the sacrifices these people paid for our freedom.