Seventy-eight years ago, this past Monday, June 6, 2022, the allied forces crossed the English Channel (approximately 160,000 of them!) and landed on the beaches of Normandy in France. While this operation was very risky, it contained the element of surprise. There was heavy loss of life, this was the beginning of the end of Hitler and the German dictatorship. Currently there are 9387 Americans buried on Omaha Beach and I certainly want to visit there one day soon!

As a long-time member of St. Martin’s-in-the Fields Episcopal Church, I am blessed to know Vernon Brantley who participated in this invasion to protect America. Although he is 97 years young, he is an amazing person, in great physical condition and mind, with a vivid memory. I guess after going through that experience, his faith will always remain important to him. I look forward to seeing him every Sunday that I am at church and showing him the respect that he so deserves.

WLTX, a CBS affiliate here in Columbia, featured him in a news article this week. You owe it to yourself to spend a few minutes watching it.