WW2 trucks stationed outside old capital building
House of Representatives convened in the old capital building
WW2 memorial and honoring fallen soldiers
6/6/19
Today was the 75 memorial of D-Day, so naturally, the legislators gathered together to remember those who were fallen and celebrate our freedom. I entered the day thinking that the entire ceremony was just for show, and left awestruck by the heartfelt messages spoken in the chamber. The House convened in the old capital chamber at 11am, to “debate” a bill to honor the heroes of D-Day. I say debate because that is the formal wording, but in reality all the representatives did was convey their love of their country. I was particularly touched when soldiers who battled in Normandy France entered to receive awards and speak. These soldiers were in their late teens when they fought for our freedom. Barely older than myself currently. Now they are about to reach 100 years old. Each of the representatives had the opportunity to speak if they so desired, and I was shocked by the number of representatives, men, and women, who had served in the armed forces. Then came the second generation, those who remembered war stories from their childhood told by their friends’ parents. When Rep. Martin spoke, his words really humbled me. It is hard to imagine, but if it wasn’t for those brave soldiers, many of us wouldn’t be alive today or have the freedoms we are granted. One Representative mentioned that in talking to a veteran, the veteran told him a joke of sorts. When a person says thank you for my freedom, he responded: “well at that moment I was fighting for my freedom, but I’m glad it worked out for you too!” After session ended, we all traveled outside to meet French dignitaries who wanted to honor the veterans for their freedom fight with a bronze medal. France is grateful to the US because, during the D-Day battle on French soil, it was American soldiers who did the fighting, not French. Finally, we traveled to the WW2 memorial where a Veteran read this lovely poem about the realities of war. Sadly I was too far away to understand the author. Then a marine corp cadet read the names of all 43 North Carolinians killed on D-Day. Their memory was properly honored with a wreath-laying ceremony, the firing of guns, and the playing of the trumpet. Today had such an impact on me that I will never forget it for the rest of my life. I am proud to be an American.