Remembering D-Day: Honoring Heroes and Preserving History

World War II Memorial ~ NPS

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing, it's crucial to reflect on the pivotal moment that altered the course of history and heralded the beginning of the end of World War II. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched a daring invasion of Normandy, France, in what was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Codenamed Operation Overlord, this monumental undertaking involved thousands of troops, ships, and aircraft from various nations united in a common cause – to liberate Europe from the grip of tyranny.

The significance of D-Day cannot be overstated. It marked the turning point in the war, where Allied forces gained a crucial foothold on the European continent, paving the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. The beaches of Normandy – Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword – became the battlegrounds where brave soldiers fought valiantly, sacrificing their lives for the cause of freedom. The courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve displayed by the Allied troops on that fateful day will forever be etched in the annals of history.

The success of the D-Day invasion was not without immense sacrifice. Thousands of Allied soldiers lost their lives in the battle, and many more were wounded. The beaches were stained with blood, yet amidst the chaos and carnage, acts of heroism and camaraderie shone brightly. From the paratroopers who dropped behind enemy lines in the dead of night to the infantrymen storming the beaches under a hail of gunfire, each individual played a vital role in the Allied victory.

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we must honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and pay tribute to the veterans who bravely served on that historic day. Their courage and determination serve as a reminder of the price of freedom and the importance of standing up against tyranny and oppression.

In addition to honoring the memory of D-Day, it's essential to preserve and protect the sites that bear witness to America's involvement in World War II. National parks are crucial in commemorating and safeguarding these historic locations, allowing future generations to learn about and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who came before them.

Here are some national parks in the United States that commemorate aspects of America's involvement in World War II:

World War II Memorial: Located in Washington, D.C., this memorial honors the 16 million individuals who served in the United States armed forces during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the countless civilians who supported the war effort from home.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Situated in Hawaii, this memorial marks the site of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy. It encompasses the USS Arizona Memorial, where visitors can pay respects to the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives aboard the battleship.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park: This park spans multiple locations in three states—Tennessee, New Mexico, and Washington. It preserves the history of the Manhattan Project, the top-secret endeavor that led to the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

Eisenhower National Historic Site: Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this site was the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. While it primarily focuses on Eisenhower's life, it provides insight into his role as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War II.

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area: Situated in Alaska, this historic area preserves the remnants and stories of the World War II Aleutian Islands Campaign, which saw American and Canadian forces battling against Japanese forces occupying the remote islands.

Manzanar National Historic Site: Located in California, this site memorializes one of the ten incarceration camps where Japanese Americans were unjustly held during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the impacts of wartime hysteria and racial prejudice.

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park: Situated in Richmond, California, this park celebrates the contributions of American civilians—particularly women and minorities—to the war effort on the home front, including their roles in factories and shipyards.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Park: Spread across multiple locations in Alabama, this park honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. They were crucial in combating segregation and discrimination during World War II.

War in the Pacific National Historical Park: Located in Guam and on the island of Saipan, this park preserves sites and artifacts related to the Pacific Theater of World War II, including battlefields, bunkers, and memorials.

These national parks serve as living tributes to the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served during World War II. By preserving these sites and sharing their stories with future generations, we ensure that the legacy of D-Day and the sacrifices made by so many will never be forgotten.

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Last Full Measure of Devotion

This Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to honor and remember those who have died serving in America's armed forces.

To most, national parks protect some of America's most iconic wildlife and scenery. Yet, the National Park System also protects and honors the legacy of some of America's hallowed battlefields and bravest soldiers, including Minute Man NHP, Gettysburg NMP, and the World War II Memorial.

To mark the day, the National Park Service holding several events. While we can never fully thank those that as President Lincoln stated "gave the last full measure of devotion," we can at the very least never forget their sacrifice.



Last Full Measure

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President:

It's 2016, and shortly you will deliver your final State of the Union. This speech provides an opportunity for you to set the tone and course for your last year in office.

Over the past seven years, under your leadership the country exited its worst economic recession since the great depression. It has seen expanded health care coverage for millions of Americans, and brought Osama Bin Laden to justice.

Yet, during your tenure the country has seen deep divisions. You ran on the hope that America is not separate states of blue and red, but rather one country of purple. It's a noble vision. However, it has yet been achieved.

Thankfully, there is still time to set the course toward unity. The answer lies in remembering our country's past and looking toward its future. In our past, the times of greatest unity occurred when the nation was confronted with significant challenge such as World War II or set a national purpose such as the Apollo Program.

Mr. President you have a similar opportunity before you to unite the American public.

The National Park System is described by some as America's best idea, its greatest gift to world culture. Each year, hundreds of millions of people flock to the national parks because they are responding to what national parks truly are, the physical manifestation of all that the country values and holds dear. They represent universal values of freedom, democracy, progress, and equality.  National Parks such as the Constitution Gardens  and Independence Hall physically embody our national goal to "form a more perfect union."

In August, the National Park Service will mark its 100th birthday.  Over the next several months the National Park Service will mark this anniversary with numerous celebrations, events, and parties. As President, this centennial presents numerous opportunities to articulate the truly American themes and values in a way that brings people together.

Specifically, I ask you to advocate for increased park funding, expanded resource protection, and the addition of new parks, especially large natural parks in the Western United States. I'd also encourage you to designate the Apollo landers as national monuments.

As a former park ranger, I saw first-hand the power national parks have to bring people together. At  evening programs, it was customary to ask people where they were from. Asking this question revealed the farther a person was from home the more people they were likely to identify with. For example, people from Boston would say they are from Massachusetts, while people from Dallas would claim Texas. Someday when people visit the lunar lander monuments and park rangers ask where they are from they will point to the earth and say "I'm from there." We need more reminders that we live on one planet, we share the same air and water. National Parks do just that. They reveal our shared humanity.

I encourage you Mr. President to make it a priority this last year in office to find and focus on unifying themes and efforts. America can be a country of purple, your last year in office can set us on a path to make this happen.

Sincerely,

Sean Smith

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

National Parks are Everywhere

I recently traveled to Southern California for a work training.  On a lark I decided to keep an eye out for national park images, references, and items on my trip. Over the four days I found references to Arches, Grand Teton, Alcatraz, Crater Lake, John Day Fossil Bed, Mount Rainier, the National Park Service, World War II Valor in the Pacific, and Yosemite for a total 10 national parks. 

This is the first time I've paid attention to the park images around me, but I'm not surprised at the number I spotted.  On previous trips, I've been struck by how prevalent park images are in ads, stories, products, movies, and in the news. So this time I decide to count them.

At the end of my adventure I found parks appear to be everywhere. The question is why?

While many may not be aware of it, National Parks are physical manifestations of what Americans most sacred places, and most important ideas, values, and history.  As such governments, advertisers, writers, entrepreneurs, and many others use the park image to connect to the values parks represent.

On your next trip or vacation pay attention to spot national park images. Perhaps a kind of park bingo can be played.

How many can you spot?

License Plate, Arches National Park

Presentation, Grand Teton National Park

Star Trek Movie, Alcatraz National Monument

Travel Magazine, Crater Lake National Park

News Story, Grand Teton National Park

Travel Magazine, John Day Fossil Bed National Monument

Mug, Mount Rainier National Park

News Article, National Park Service

Travel Magazine, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

Mug, Yosemite National Park

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers