As I write this entry, the world is observing the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Europe by Allied forces. I heard one historian on NPR today say that day was the single most important day in the history of western civilization. We’ve all heard of the monumental victory that began with a fierce battle on the shores of Normandy. We’ve heard the heroic stories and the staggering loss of life.

These letters give us a glimpse of how two young people, far from the historic scene, reacted to the news of the day.

From Dart:

Well, looks like Peterson missed the boat again. Europe’s been invaded and I missed out on it. Oh well, so what? So, Hitler’s having an American species of ants in his French britches. So the Japs are crawling back into the holes in their bamboo walls by having a couple of “practice” air raid alarms in their Tokyo. …Now I can never truthfully boast to my progeny (if any) of the role I played…in the invasion of the Flower of Europe. All I can tell is the sad tale of the rigors of hospital life, with Beautyrest mattresses, clean sheets and dry shoes.

The events of the day began at 0500 hours, for us. In the midst of a bitter storm and from the depths of deep sleep, came the horrid buzzing of our sad ward radio. The invasion was on, and slowly, surely, the realization awoke us a few at a time as we came to our senses with thermometers incubating in our mouths. The few minutes of the day when news was not being repeated, martial music was played. But today the music was not boring, was not turned off in favor of some jive. No, there was no shouting, no particular joy, only an immense uplifting of spirit, as if the Sword of Damocles had been removed from above the heads of the men here.

Can you imagine what President Roosevelt felt as he was delivering his radio address heralding the Liberation of Rome, with the full knowledge that men all along England were at that minute embarking on the most historical boatride of their lives? How could he keep his voice well-modulated, how could he keep his place on the typed broadcasting script? Remarkable power of concentration and self-control in that man. Hooray for our side, in 3-inch letters, bold face, heraldic type.

Whether moved by a new surge of patriotism and a sense of urgency, or simply feeling a little better, Dart announces he is going to ask the doctor if he can return to duty on Monday or Tuesday. If he gets a slip granting light duty, he should regain his strength and be able to complete boot camp once and for all.

I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Dot writes:

It has arrived. The day we have all been waiting for so long has finally come. Let us hope and pray that this is the beginning of the end for the Axis nations and the war to end all wars.

Because of the significance of the day, they gave us half a day off at Franklin Simons. It was quite a surprise to all, but a pleasant one, you may be sure.

…All evening we kept the radio on to hear the latest reports on the invasion. I’m afraid I hadn’t thought of it quite as seriously as I ought. All the churches were opened today, and I‘m sorry I didn’t go, altho’ we did have a few minutes of silence here at home for prayer.

My mood today has been a combination of extreme gladness and extreme sadness. When I think of all the young kids who’ll never see the country for which they are fighting again, I get a lump in my throat which is almost enough to choke me, and yet it is a joy to know that the end is that much nearer and all those boys who are left will soon be able to return home.

We have so very much to be thankful for, Dart, that it hardly seems right for us to complain about anything. Knowing you, alone, is more than I deserve for a whole lifetime of good deeds. I have known more happiness in knowing you than I have had in all of my almost 18 years. Please don’t ever change, Dart, except maybe physically, and that doesn’t even matter too much, except that I want you as happy as possible and I don’t think you can be unless you’re physically fit.

God bless you, dearest, and make you well as soon as possible.

There is other minor news from both of our leading characters, but it can wait for a less momentous day. Sixteen million men served in the US military on that day 70 years ago. One million of them are left. We owe them so much.