Because they served…

As a mother and military spouse, with three very active children, our household is much like any other family: the hustle and bustle of everyday life often distracts us from realizing how lucky we really are. In the few quiet moments I have, I often give thanks for being an American in the 21st century. Although these quiet moments are too few and far between, I realize that my right to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” wasn’t just handed to me, but fought for by the many who served and died.

Knowing the importance of imparting the value of freedom on our children, our family recently visited the historical battlegrounds on the coastline of Normandy where 160,000 allied troops valiantly served to free France and fight the oppressive Nazi regime. My husband and I wanted to show our children the stories of that 50-mile stretch of coast.

We started at Pointe du Hoc, its terrain still riddled with craters from heavy shelling, was a tangible history the kids explored with enthusiasm, hiding themselves in the abandoned bunkers, running through the craters, at first not realizing the extent of the fight of 225 Rangers who heroically scaled the steep cliff to secure the critical enemy post that overlooked the coast.

President Ronald Reagan once described the battle:

“The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers at the edge of the cliffs shooting down at them with machine guns and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers began to climb. They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up. When one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. They climbed, shot back, and held their footing. Soon, one by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top, and in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to seize back the continent of Europe. Two hundred and twenty-five came here. After 2 days of fighting, only 90 could still bear arms.”

Later at the American Normandy Cemetery and Memorial overlooking Omaha Beach, I was struck by the monumental challenge of storming the beach below. Our 13-minute walk to the bottom paled in comparison to the three-hour uphill battle it took the soldiers who were lucky enough to survive that far. The serenity of my children playing and the sound of their laughter, the blowing wind and crashing waves made it difficult to imagine the gunfire and bloodshed of 67 years ago.

Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated in France, was a flurry of activities -- actors depicting soldiers and medical staff, a military caravan, music of the 1940’s -- offering a glimpse of an era where every man with a pulse voluntarily signed up to fight. At one point, I noticed a veteran in a wheelchair nearby. My mind went to thoughts of what history has witnessed: multiple U.S. military conflicts, man landing on the moon, the fall of the Berlin wall, and the terrorists acts of September 11, 2001. I teared up thinking of his long life and how very soon, we will only know his generation through the pages of our history books.

During the quiet moments of our journey home, I thought of my grandfather, a World War II veteran, who received orders for the “duration of war.” He used to say, “I never thought I’d live to see my 21st birthday.” I thank God he did. He never said much about his time while serving overseas, but I am sure he had many stories to tell. I wonder how the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will be depicted in 67 years, and the history we will learn of brave service members who fought to keep America safe.

I am hopeful that the coast of Normandy and its rich history made an impact on my children, giving them a better understanding of the real price of freedom. The trip gave me a renewed sense of gratitude for those who currently serve and those who have served before us. Moreover, as a military spouse, I felt empowered to deal with my challenges: long separations; worried thoughts; missed birthdays, holidays and anniversaries; and striving to emulate the strength and courage of “the Greatest Generation.”

Jennifer Sheppard
Military Spouse