THANK YOU FOR YOUR
MILITARY SERVICE!
By Jay Smith, Executive Editor | jays@modelaircraft.org
I’M WRITING THIS on the 81st anniversary of D-Day. It is my hope to one day visit the beaches of Normandy, especially Omaha Beach, where my grandfather landed on June 6, 1944. My grandfather would continue in Europe for the rest of the war, including being in the Battle of the Bulge. Coincidentally, he was discharged in 1945 on what would later be my birthday—October 18.
Sadly, he died when I was only 11, so I didn’t get a chance to ask many questions or hear many stories. I do know that he questioned how he survived. He also mentioned being attacked by Stuka dive bombers.
Since Memorial Day weekend, I have been spending my free time immersed in veteran interviews and history stories that can be found on YouTube. I had already read The Rifle, and I completed The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield the week I wrote this. Author Andrew Biggio has met many World War II veterans in the past few years. He collects their stories and has them sign his M1 Garand rifle. Those stories are recounted in the two books from those who served in the European and Pacific Theaters.
As a U.S. Army veteran myself, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has served, is currently serving, or plans to serve in the military.
As a U.S. Army veteran myself, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has served, is currently serving, or plans to serve in the military.
