[Duckdog]

I had an uncle that landed in Normandy on June 6th. He never talked about it. I did not even know he was there until after he had passed away in the 80s. I was told that he was wounded thought.

[21twelve]

I became friends with an old couple at church. Shut ins. Visiting them the first time and making small talk. I noticed that Harry had an anchor tattoo - and I asked,

“Oh were you a sailor? Must have been World War II? My Dad was in the Navy in WWII”

He answered “Yes”.

His wife piped in “He drove a Higgin’s boat”.

“Oh, the landing craft - wow.”

The guy seemed a bit surprised that I knew that and looked up and said “That’s right”.

His wife then said “He was at D-Day.”

I just sat there not knowing what to say. Shocked with the movie reels playing in my mind, awe at what this guy had done, and could tell he hadn’t wanted to talk about any of it. (But his wife was sure proud!) I just got up and walked over and shook his hand again and said “Thanks for your service, and all the sacrifices that you made.”

[omni-scientist]

Over the years I have been surprised by the number of old men, relatives and aquaintances, who I would have never known the amazing bravery and service they gave on the battlefield. Some of them were profusely decorated and never boasted a word, only to learn on their death of just how incredibly patriotic they were.