My mother’s brother Joseph William Thornton enlisted in the 82nd Airborne, 505th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) when he was 19 years old. He jumped into Normandy on June 6th 1944 and was killed in action either on June 6th, as the Honor Roll (first link above) states, or on June 16th, the date given on the Purple Heart presented to my grandparents. My mother used to talk about how Joe loved the woods of Michigan’s upper peninsula where he would go camping with his best friend, and about how he couldn’t (or wouldn’t) shoot a deer, though his buddies were hunters. She said that the song of the Mourning Dove always reminded her of Joe. Since mom connected the memory of Joe with the dove, I always think of him when I hear that soft, mournful coo, most prevalent here in early June.
44 years later, my son Ross was born on June 6th, 3 weeks ahead of his due date, his birth reinforcing that this date will never be just an average day to me! He turns 21 today, a fine young man making his way in the world!
Joseph W. Thornton
by Joe, November 15, 1934
I love the sun coming up (or going down) behind the trees on the right.
Ross on Quilt
zzzzzzzz…….
‘Lest We Forget’ – a tribute of Pride and Honour for those who gave of their lives.
We all owe a debt of gratitude and should never forget their sacrifice for the freedom we all hold dear.
Deeply moving post – thank you for sharing.
connection of death & life. The continuum. My friend the poet open to these connections. Very nice. So is the runner.
I like the little baby burrito. I remember that quilt!
I’m thinking a visit to the arboretum next week….so much to do, so many to see, so little time….
It is fascinating how some dates become “family” dates-for you June 6th, for me the 23rd of several different months. There’s a great deal on the news here about D Day this year-for many of the veterans this will be their last chance to remember brave young men like your uncle, lost 65years ago.
Beautiful story about your mother’s brother and the connection with your son. You reminded me on a busy day that life is very mysterious.
I was fortunate to have walked on the beaches of Normandie. It was a sunny but chilly Autumn day a few years ago. There were few people there. The seagulls hunted for food as my husband and our children hunted for shells. I was left with the sense of peace there while being aware of the horrors that once faced the men on the beaches and the people of the nearby villages.
I believe today’s peace and beauty in Normandie is a fitting tribute to the men like your uncle who gave all to allow freedom to continue. I hope our country never stops maintaining our military cemeteries so pristinely. They deserve our honor, and thanks. I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
I would like to visit Normandy someday, too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.