Letter: Honoring Normandy
U.S. WW II veteran Clarence Mac Evans, 87, from West Virginia, who landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944, with the 29th infantery division, puts a coin on the tomb of fellow Franck Nuzzo, from the 29th division who died on June 6, 1944, at the Colleville American military cemetery. (June 6, 2012) Credit: AP
Elliott B. Braunstein and I have something in common ["Expressway: Overwhelmed and humbled at Normandy," Opinion, June 2]. We both visited Omaha Beach in Normandy. At the age of 75, I was privileged to walk on this honored beach. It is a holy place.
I was too young to fight at the time the invasion took place. On my visit, I closed my eyes and in my imagination became part of the landings on June 6, 1944. Leaping off the landing craft, my feet hit the beach. Scared as I was, I just kept going. Soldiers died all around me. Then the tour guide yelled, "It's time to go."
We walked to the cemetery where so many of our guys are buried. I have to believe they did not die in vain. This place has a holy air. Being Jewish, based on our traditions, I placed stones on as many Jewish gravestones as I could find. This shows respect and lets them know that we, as Americans, do not forget them. The serenity you feel when there comes from within.
I am sure that many visitors, whatever their faith, say a prayer for all the soldiers buried there. These soldiers fought for our freedom.
Al Roth, Long Beach
