June 6th, 1945

Today, our country is losing it's greatest national resource at an alarming pace. I bet you are wondering to what I am referring? The answer isn't what - it's who. Today, so few of them are left and every day we lose more and more - our country's Greatest Generation.

65 years ago today, they faced insurmountable odds and an unlikely outcome, and they faced it as young men and women - most probably in their 20's or younger. They faced this challenge the way they faced all the other hardships in their lives - head on- with hard work, dedication, devotion and bravery. Their victory in the fielf of battle made our country synonomous with Freedom on the one hand and overwhelming military might on the other. Their sacrifices liberated an entire continent of oppressed people and saved a people from total annihilation. They were liberators.

Winston Churchill once said ( of the Battle of Briton but can certainly be said of Normandy) "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. " And yet, 65 years later, so mahy of us forget the contributions of the Greatest Generation.

My husband's grandfather, Addison Hogue Thomson, was one such a man. He was the kindest, gentlest man that it has ever been my privilege to know. He was slow to anger and quick to forgive. He loved his country - very much. When she called, Addison answered. He bravely served his country as a medic for the duration of the war. He would only talk occassionally about his experiences. He never thought of himself as a hero, and yet, believe me when I tell you that he was one.

Addison Thomson was one of six brothers, five of whom fought for their country as members of the Greatest Generation. His brother David was simply too young to serve. He was at D-day plus one. I can remember him telling me of his experiences there. The first thing he learned when he hit the beach with the 101st was to cover the Red Cross on his helmet with mud as the Germans used it for crosshairs so that the wounded could not be tended. He had horrible memories of the war and hated Patton with an intensity that it was difficult to believe considering his otherwise peaceful demeanor.

Addison Thomson epitomises the greatest generation. They were ordinary men and women who rose up to the challenges presented and accomplished extraordinary things, then quietly went back to lead their lives, never wanting or needing gratitude or accolades. Yet today, of all days, those men deserve both the accolades they are given and the undying gratitude of free men and women everywhere. I hope we never forget their contributions and their sacrifices. I hope that a new generation will look to those that have come before and aspire to be something more, to do something more, not just for ourselves, but for the betterment of the world.