Photo of the Day: June 6, 1944-Heroes Among Us

                                        

          

Buddy at the only bridge over the Elbe

Mr Zeno "Buddy" King was not on Normandy on D-Day but but arrived soon after.  He made his way as an infantry soldier and as the 83rd Division's Band Director. He knew something was up when he was called in from other duties in England,  saw all of the aircraft flying over and received the order to crate up all band instruments which were to be left behind.  They made their way to Southhampton and had to wait for weather to clear. 1000 soldiers were on his transport bobbing around, most of them sea sick.  He came ashore on Normandy on D+15.  He described the beach as "The world's biggest junkpile".  The sailor piloting his LSI, filled with he and  half of the band, looked about 15 years old.  The sailor with his cockney accent announced that this was as far as he was going and  dropped them 100 yards from the beach in chest deep water. 


Buddy reminded me of the significance of June 6 and how easily these important dates were to get lost is the haze of everyday busy-ness.  Remember D-Day. It is important.


Today is the 67th anniversary of D-Day, the Normandy France invasion that changed the course of WW II.  It is the Pearl Harbors and 9-11's that make D-Days necessary.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the veterans of the past, present and future that make the sacrifices, such as seen on D-Day, for my freedom. God bless our vet's and God Bless America

Front Row (left to right):  Harry Butanowicz, Clarence Reeser (lutheran min),  Cianne Castor (club singer in Houston TX after the war), Nick Aloisi, Arthur Lamey, Frank Vallone (Oliean NY), Archie Griffin, Steve Bartlett, Bob Liedtke, Eliott Jacoby, 

Back Row (left to right):Steve Hadju (Trumpet grew up in Chambersburg PA), drums Unknown, Sid Skiffington, Charles A Franke, John Golz (Fr Horn then Violin player and teacher after the war), Art Yon (Major in the CAP), Bass-Al Seguin (1st Sgt), Stanislaw Siok, Clint Elmo Reed (aluminun Bass Fiddle)

Picture was take by CWO Zeno "Buddy" King