67 Years Ago Today...

...the Allies landed 160,000 troops on the beaches of Normandy, beginning the prolonged assault against Hitler that would lead to his downfall.

Without the courageous action of these troops (and those of our Soviet then-ally in the East), the world today would be a very different place.

The numbers of our WWII veterans are rapidly dwindling, as these brave men and women are now in their 80s and 90s (my own father amongst them).

Anyone who has read much history knows just how large a debt we owe these soldiers.  Each year on this date I pause to reflect about that; this morning it will be the subject of my thoughts on my commute into work.  But this much I can say without any thought at all:

Thank you, WWII veterans.  Thank you for your service, your courage, and your perserverance.  This much younger American is profoundly grateful...

Depressing Chart of the Day...

Much more here.

Don't Tell Me that My City is Dying!

What a great music video, and set to one of my favorite songs (Don McLean's American Pie)!  This is Grand Rapids' response to a Newsweek article calling it a “dying city”.  As my longtime readers know, I don't much care for any city – but I sure do like the spirit of these folks!  To read the whole backstory, go here and click on “Show more”.  Meanwhile, just watch, listen, and enjoy!