Today is the 65th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy and even though I wasn’t alive at the time, my parents were and they lost many loved ones. Today, I’d like to pause and remember my Uncle PFC Peter “Petey” George Nicholas of Brooklyn, NY who was killed in action in Normandy, France. He was my Dad’s older brother and the pain and devastation of this loss never goes away. Today, I will spend the day reflecting on the bravery of the young men who gave their lives on this day and ask you to do the same.

My family and I are planning a trip to France in the Fall to finally visit the grave of my Uncle. It will be the first time any family member has visited his final resting place. Uncle Pete, we’re finally coming to see you….

“We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the Old.”

- Winston Churchill