Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 6/6 - DDAY

69 years ago today allied forces embarked on the invasion of France, the climactic hours in the European Theater of Operation. On June 6, 1944, 160,000 troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the invasion, and by day’s end the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy. The cost was high - more than 9,000 allied soldiers were killed or wounded -- but more than 100,000 began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler. The world owes a tremendous debt to those men, many of whom were just boys, thousands of miles from home, some never to return, others maimed or crippled psychologically. Each year their accomplishments grow in stature. Soon all of the survivors will have passed to the other side. Time marches on, halts for no one, not even the heroic. Here's Ike's full speech to the troops:
"You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely....The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

Thank you.


It was an abbreviated session for the floating book shop today, as I accompanied a friend to the dentist at two. My thanks to the kind folks who made purchases. Yesterday Michael donated 16 books in Russian. There are only two left.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3