Posted on 06/06/2014 4:58:45 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
Although Obama made no direct reference to that controversy, he did said of D-Day that “in this age of instant commentary, the invasion would have swiftly and roundly been declared, as it was by one officer, 'a debacle.'" He also cautioned against a “race to judgment.”
President Obama marked the anniversary of the D-Day landings Friday with a tribute to the servicemen who stormed “democracy’s beachhead” 70 years ago, and the new generation of American soldiers who continue their mission.
"America's claim — our commitment to liberty, to equality, to freedom, to the inherent dignity of every human being — that claim is written in blood on these beaches, and it will endure for eternity,” Obama said. “Omaha, Normandy — this was democracy’s beachhead."
But while hailing "the men and women of a generation who defied every danger,” Obama looked to link past to present, telling the D-Day veterans assembled at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach that their “legacy was in good hands.”
“This 9/11 generation of service members, they too felt something,” Obama said. “They too answered the call. They said ‘I’ll go.’”
The anniversary celebration comes at a difficult time for the president, in no small part due to his administration’s handling of that new generation of war.
On Thursday, the acting head of the Veterans Affairs Department — strained by the return of soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan — admitted that 18 veterans had died and more than 100,000 had been delayed in receiving medical care due to mismanagement.
And in Washington, controversy is raging over the president’s decision to swap five Taliban detainees in exchange for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the lone prisoner of war from the Afghan conflict.
Although Obama made no direct reference to that controversy, he did said of D-Day that “in this age of instant commentary, the invasion would have swiftly and roundly been declared, as it was by one officer, 'a debacle.'" He also cautioned against a “race to judgment.”
The president also spoke under the shadow of the crisis in Ukraine, where government forces continue to clash with pro-Russian separatists. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also attending events Friday to mark the anniversary, setting up the first face-to-face meeting between the leaders since the beginning of the crisis.
While White House aides say they do not expect formal, bilateral talks, Obama has been peppered with questions throughout his week-long visit to Europe about what message he would convey when the pair speak. On Thursday, he said he would ask Putin to recognize the new government of Ukraine, continue withdrawing his troops from the border, and cease support for separatists.
But in Normandy, Obama spoke more broadly about America’s role as “the greatest force for freedom the world has ever known.”
"For in a time when it has never been more tempting to pursue narrow self-interest and slough off common endeavor, this generation of Americans, our men and women of war, have chosen to do their part as well," Obama said.
He told stories of individual soldiers, both of the modern era and the battles of World War II, who demonstrated exceptional bravery and devotion to their country, even in the midst of impossible odds.
"Whenever the world makes you cynical, whenever you doubt that courage and goodness is possible, stop and think of these men,” Obama said.
And, Obama said, “we have to honor those who carry forward that legacy.”
"We come to remember why America and our allies gave so much for the survival of liberty at its moment of maximum peril," Obama said. "And we come to tell the story of the men and women who did it, so that it remains seared into the memory of the future world."
Too bad many of these worthy warriors died without proper medical care from an ungrateful nation.
Now we have Bergdahl's father praising allah in front of OUR Whitehouse.
Disgraceful.
Obama at Omaha Beach might be thought of as a whore in church....
Except, there always a hope and real possibility that the whore might repent and amend her ways.
More”PlatitudinousBullSH*T”from it’s Numero Uno Purveyor of SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well put and one has to think that this was the very thought of the veterans gathered at the speech this morning....
LOL!
and the whore isn’t in church to preach to the rest of us about fundamentally transforming our ways
As if we believe anything this America-hating doofus says.
Forget impeachment......he should not be given even one iota of constitutional refuge for his damnable activities. Americans should not have to expend an ounce of energy or even one tax dollar impeaching this POS.
Force him out, I say. Americans need to contact Republicans to pressure Democrats to get this done.
Democrats should wake up. Their days are numbered...if any of these imbeciles ever win another election, it's b/c of (1) voter fraud, and, (2) using govt resources to bludgeon opponents.
I felt sorry for my dad when he had to watch it. Dad was not a verbose or a very demonstrative guy... but he certainly struggled to choke down a gagging sensation THAT day!
“On Thursday, the acting head of the Veterans Affairs Department — strained by the return of soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan — admitted that 18 veterans had died and more than 100,000 had been delayed in receiving medical care due to mismanagement.”
Hmmm, my Spidey sense detects a hint of “Bush’s fault” in there.
Obama speaking about honor? The man wouldn’t know honor if it were written on his teleprompter. He doesn’t have any, and he doesn’t have the integrity or character, either.
Thanks so much for the ping, potlatch!
I’m listening to the songs now, they add so much to the pictures.
It gives a sense of reverence and inspiration all at the same time. 8^)
Thanks and good to see you S.S. I seldom post but this shouldn’t be ignored.
So many lovely old songs back then. I appreciate your comments.
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WE'LL MEET AGAIN