Jun 06 D-Day Weather And A Look Into Vets

Today is the annual observance of the D-Day invasion of Europe. If you still know any vets of the big one, give them a call and thank them. It can never be said enough. I thought about it a bit as I looked up at a seeming full moon late last night and remembered the date from some natural history concerning the Normandy invasion. It was a unique set of natural circumstances they were waiting for to execute that beach invasion.

Only a few days in each month were suitable for launching the operation, because both a full moon and a spring tide were required: the former to illuminate navigational landmarks for the crews of aircraft, gliders and landing craft, and the latter to provide the deepest possible water to help safe navigation over defensive obstacles placed by the Germans in the surf on the seaward approaches to the beaches.

Read on to find out how natural elements like weather and tides played a very big role for both the Germans and the Allies. You could easily spend the rest of the day looking over pages, photos, films, and books learning about the landings and battles of D-Day, without even getting to the rest of the war.

I wanted to switch gears and mention a disturbing (if true) note I got from a friend last night about vets and concealed carry, or simply carry permits as they are known here in Minnesota. This was on my mind because just yesterday, I went down to the Hennepin County Sheriff's office to apply for a permit along with a friend of mine who took the carry permit course with me. Simple process really and we should receive them in about 30 days.

Here is the note I got from a friend who I trust. If you are a vet, you are under the lens of scrutiny but don't be "stressed" about it:

I had a doctors appointment at the local VA clinic yesterday and found something very interesting.

I would like to pass along.. While going through triage before seeing the doctor, I was asked at the end of the exam, three questions.

(1. Did I feel stressed?)

(2. Did I feel threatened?)

(3. Did I feel like doing harm to someone?)

The nurse then informed me, if I had answered yes to any of the questions,  I could have lost my concealed carry permit as it would have gone into my medical records and the VA would have reported it to Homeland Security.

I am a Viet Nam vet and 15 year cc permit holder.  Looks like they are going after us vets."

Be forewarned and be aware.  If you know veterans, you may want to pass this on to them.

Cross-posted at Freedom Dogs. Comments welcome.