June 6, 1944 – Today marks the anniversary of the allied offensive on the beaches of Normandy. My grandfather was one of the many brave men who set foot on those beaches on that day so many years ago. He was one of the lucky men to have survived the assault. Some details on the massive casualties suffered during the day can be found here.

My grandfather, Tony, continued to fight on across the European continent for the better part of the next year. I know that he must have witnessed the most horrible face of war during his many months of combat. Although, he never spoke about the actions of that cold June day to many people who did not experience it firsthand.

My grandpa passed away many years ago, far from the battlefields of his youth. I miss him every day and I think about how he would relish the laughter of his great-granddaughters. I am grateful to have known him for so long and ever thankful for his generation’s sacrifice to secure the freedoms we enjoy today.