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D-Day

The experience was humbling, informative and emotional to say the least. The enormity of the invasion operation, the bravery of the soldiers and, most of all, the number of lives that were lost that day is somewhat hard to comprehend, even when you’re staring it in the face. Jack Bechta

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I write this post from France, where I just visited Normandy and the D-Day invasion sites, in addition to the American cemetery located above Omaha Beach.

The experience was humbling, informative and emotional to say the least. The enormity of the invasion operation, the bravery of the soldiers and, most of all, the number of lives that were lost that day is somewhat hard to comprehend, even when you’re staring it in the face. 

When I think about what I do for a living, I feel very lucky that I’m “living the dream.” Because I love football, and also because it has put some great role models in my life, helped me build my character and even given me a scholarship and a career. I am lucky. I am also lucky that I haven’t had to face the challenges of the brave men and woman who have given their lives and those who are still fighting in the Middle East so we can live free and explore our passions without limitation.

For that, I would like to thank all those who serve, their families and those who sacrificed their lives to make the rest of ours safer. I’d like to thank all the NFL players who regularly visit our troops yearly throughout the world.

Two months ago, I played in a charity golf tournament at the Miramar Naval Air Station (formerly known as TOPGUN) near San Diego. The tournament was put on by the Officers Wives Club to benefit families of those in the military.  One of the members of our foursome was a helicopter pilot named Aaron. Aaron wasn’t much of a golfer, but he kept us laughing for 18 holes. I made a new buddy that day. About one week after the tournament, I got news that Aaron’s chopper went down and he was killed in the crash. He was about 27, I believe.

It hit me then how dangerous training for war can be and that the men and women who volunteer to join the American armed forces are in harm’s way every day. While at the American cemetery, I thought of Aaron; he is the same as every courageous soldier buried above Omaha Beach.  

God bless you, Aaron. God bless our troops. And God bless the USA. I'm including some photos with this post.

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eric
Jun 07, 2009
03:56 AM

Excellent Post! I think we often forget how big a sacrifice the men and women of our armed forces make to protect our freedoms and liberties. The simple fact that we can forget though shows just how good a job they are doing. God Bless our troops!

JohnNdallas
Jun 07, 2009
12:11 PM

An open question.

What sacrifice have you made for our Country today? or Any day!

Bennett GB
Jun 07, 2009
05:30 PM

Great photos from the Point du H'oc and the US cemetary at Colville, Jack.

I'm English, living in Green Bay, and I visited Normandy last year with my father, who's own father was killed in 1940. My grandfather died when my father was 3, he doesn't remember him.

We visited his grave in Esquelmes, Belgium where he's buried far away from his home but in a lovely and peaceful location. A place well-cared for by the local people that, 3 generations on, remember and are grateful for the sacrifice given.

It's a humbling experience and one that can only lead to one becoming reflective over issues such as sacrifice and the enormity of people's actions. Thankfully, one comes home and normal life intrudes.

On a lighter note your potted bio leads with "Jack is currently one of the most respected agents in the NFL" as though at any moment The Post expects you do something dispicable. Anything we should know, JB?

Nice article.

Eric Green
Jun 07, 2009
09:01 PM

Am I the only ex-Marine hanging around here?:)

Looks like a very interesting experience, Jack. Those pics remind me of one of the best war movies of all time - Private Ryan. I hope you enjoy the trip.

Pat,
Not sure I would agree with the greatest generation moniker.

All or nothing
Jun 08, 2009
03:13 PM

I am in awe of the D-Day veterans. But this "Greatest Generation" moniker really upsets me. To imply that those who died in WWII are somehow better stock than a kid who died on point in Viet Nam during his first week in country is just wrong. Like the one Medal of Honor winner said, anybody who died in a war should get a Medal of Honor. Those soldiers could not possibly give any more than they gave. So everyone please think before you label one generation of dead heroes greater than another.

Jim
Jun 09, 2009
02:29 PM

I think some of you should go back and read the "Greatest Generation" it's not just about WWII but what that generation did to build this country after the war. I also don't like the "Greatest" moniker on anything since you could always make arguments but Brokaw puts together a pretty good argument for that generation. I think one thing we can all agree on, is that any Solider who fights for this country is a HERO!

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