A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
Today marks the 71st anniversary of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi occupied Europe. The Longest Day was the theme song for the 1962 movie of that name, which was based on Cornelius Ryan’s 1959 book, The Longest Day. This performance by the Cadet Glee Club of West Point borders on the melodramatic, but the video contains some fine footage of Eisenhower rallying the Allied forces and other images from D-Day. Sharp-eyed viewers will recognize the fleeting view of the memorial at Pointe de Hoc.
An 18-year-old private who landed at Normandy and survived the war would be 89 today. In another decade, very few who were alive that day will still be with us.