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D-Day

Tuesday June 6, 2023

June 6, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 6, 2023

D-day then and now

June 6, 2014

As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the historic D-Day invasion, a solemn parallel emerges between the valiant efforts of the Allied forces in World War II and the current struggle faced by Ukraine against Russian aggression. While caution must be exercised in drawing direct comparisons, the echoes of sacrifice and the shared objective of liberating occupied territories cannot be ignored. This article explores the similarities and underscores the importance of reflecting upon history.

For days, the villages and towns surrounding Omaha and Juno beaches have held parades, memorial events, flyovers, and parachute demonstrations to build up to the annual celebration of D-Day. The June 6, 1944 invasion marked the beginning of the Allies’ massive ground invasion, leading to Germany’s surrender and the end of World War II in Europe.

Today, Ukraine finds itself preparing for its own counteroffensive against Russia, a fight for which many of those same Allied forces have provided billions of dollars in weapons and training. The goal is similar: to liberate occupied territory and free a country unjustly attacked by an aggressor nation. However, caution is urged against making a direct comparison to the Normandy invasion, where over 150,000 troops made landfall in a 24-hour period.

Opinion: The Eyes of the World Are Upon Ukraine  

June 6, 2019

Nevertheless, the urgency to stop the aggressor resonates strongly. Alain Holley, the mayor of Ste Mere Eglise, emphasized the need to prevent further devastation and protect future generations from the ravages of war. The echoes of conflict reverberate across Europe once again, just hours away by plane. The dark clouds of war have cast a shadow over the continent, and hope is desperately needed.

In this context, the decision to continue arming Ukraine, similar to General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s choice to push forward during World War II, is viewed as a sign of hope. The current commander of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, General Darryl Williams, draws a parallel between Eisenhower’s resolve and the West’s commitment to support Ukraine. It symbolizes the belief in a brighter future and a determination to confront aggression.

The proximity of the D-Day commemoration to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the present struggles. The 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade, which once fought to free Carentan after D-Day, was sent back to Europe after Russia’s invasion last year to reinforce Eastern European defences. Their presence in Carentan today serves as a hallowed reminder of the sacrifices made in the past and the ongoing challenges faced in the present.

October 12, 2022

As Ukraine prepares for its counteroffensive, the tension builds. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence released a video hinting at the imminent operation, emphasizing the element of surprise. The urgency is palpable, as the focus shifts from commemoration to the fight at home.

While we are not currently in the midst of a world war, the commemoration of D-Day serves as both a remembrance and a warning. Army Colonel Marty O’Donnell, spokesman for U.S. Army forces in Europe, highlights the importance of reflecting on history as we navigate current events. The lessons learned from the sacrifices of the past can guide us in responding to present-day challenges.

Opinion: This is Ukraine’s D-Day  

November 11, 2022

Though caution must be exercised when comparing the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the D-Day invasion, the echoes of sacrifice and the shared objective of liberating occupied territories cannot be overlooked. The commemoration of D-Day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of reflecting on history as we face present-day conflicts. As Ukraine prepares for its counteroffensive, the support and assistance provided by the international community echo the solidarity and determination of the Allied forces in World War II. Let us learn from the past to shape a future where peace prevails and the sacrifices of those who came before us are honoured. (AI) | Editorial cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star. 

 

Posted in: International Tagged: 2023-10, Adolph Hitler, D-Day, Germany, landing, liberation, Normandy, Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, weapons, world

Thursday June 6, 2019

June 13, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 6, 2019

When the tide turned: Canadians hold massive D-Day event at Juno Beach

World leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered on France’s Normandy coast today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the remarkable military and political achievement known as D-Day.

May 5, 2000

There have been two commemoration events along the 10-kilometre stretch of coastline that Canadians fought to liberate — one Canadian, one international.

As many as 5,000 people, including French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, attended the Canadian event. Thursday’s commemoration in France follows another memorial, on Wednesday in the U.K., that was attended by leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May and Justin Trudeau.

Their chests laden with medals, Canadian veterans listened solemnly, overlooking the tall grass and sandy expanse below in Normandy on Thursday.

Naturally, the beach today looks entirely different from the one that greeted the invading allies on June 6, 1944. The three major communities along the coastline have regained in many respects the sleepy resort quality they enjoyed before the Germans came.

Three-quarters of a century ago today, Fred Turnbull was sitting in a landing craft plowing through the grey, choppy surf towards the shell-raked Normandy coast.

November 11, 2009

His landing craft took ashore a section of troops from the Régiment de la Chaudière, a reserve brigade.

His first hint of the invasion’s cost in blood was the sight of the bodies of military divers floating in the surf — killed as they tried to disarm metal obstacles booby-trapped by the Germans.

The rising tide carried the landing craft over the deadly traps, but all six boats — including Turnbull’s barge — were blown up after they had delivered their troops and turned back to sea to get more.

Turnbull and his men had to swim from the barge to the beach. There they waited as the battle raged around them for three hours before a larger landing ship came in and took them off.

“That was the worst part of it, waiting to be rescued,” said Turnbull.

The soldiers cracked jokes about their plight and tried to remain calm while waiting for retrieval. One enterprising sailor liberated a bottle of rum from the wreckage — which no doubt made the time pass more comfortably.

June 6, 2014

Canadian military planners had expected 1,800 casualties on D-Day — killed, wounded and captured. According to federal government records, the day saw 1,074 Canadian casualties during the taking of the beachhead.

D-Day was just the beginning, though. By the end of the Normandy campaign, more than 5,000 troops had been killed out of roughly 18,000 Canadian casualties. (CBC)


A crazy amount of social media shares on this one…


 

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: 2019-21, anniversary, commemoration, D-Day, dday, Ghost, Juno Beach, Remembrance, soldiers, veteran, WW2

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Please note…

This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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