Honoring America's World War II Combat Veterans

June 6, 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy, the largest seaborne invasion in history. Recently I learned about the possibility of honoring America's combat veterans with an exhibition of 75 of their portraits, along with ten of the iconic photos of the D-Day landing shot by Robert Capa, in Normandy, during this coming summer.  The cost of framing them, then insuring and shipping them to Normandy, was estimated to be $30,000, an amount I immediately volunteered to raise for The Greatest Generations Foundation.  The Foundation had been invited to provide the portraits and photos of the D-Day landing for a gallery exhibition, in Normandy, to run throughout the summer of 2019.

The portraits already exist, having been taken by our son, John, a professional photographer who works with The Greatest Generations Foundation.  He has traveled the globe with these combat veterans for a decade, photographing them on the beaches, in the forests and on the ships where they fought: Normandy, Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Guam, Tinian, Saipan, England, Germany, Austria and The Netherlands. John will manage the processes of framing and shipping in order to ensure the final products are befitting the high quality of the gallery in which they will be exhibited: in a new convention center affiliated with the number 2 ranked hotel in France, the Chateau La Cheneviere, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Hyatt programs.  Chateau La Cheneviere is located in the heart of Normandy and only a few kilometers from Omaha Beach.

Responses to my invitation to friends to contribute to this exhibit honoring this country's combat veterans were phenomenal, and inspiring to say the least.  Of the 59 friends to whom I wrote, 34 pledged to donate, a 58 percent "success rate", which is extraordinary to say the least in the world of fund-raising. In seven business days these 34 donors pledged the full $30,000 needed.  Moreover, once pledges hit our goal I sent another email to those from whom I had not yet heard, letting them know we'd reached our goal and were done with the campaign, as promised.

I'd like to offer a few quotes from the donors, many of whom had military service in their backgrounds. Even more had fathers and uncles who served in combat, including in the D-Day invasion. I hope this presentation will serve as a reminder to everyone to honor and respect all who have served in the U.S. military throughout history. Now for several of the observations.

(This tribute) means more than you can imagine, not only for the photo subjects but to so many who will see them and put a face to war. For so many this (was) a faceless war, but the photos will bring the war to life...as it should be." Air Force Colonel, retired

"This tribute is long overdue.  I cannot tell you...how grateful I am...it's wonderful."  Army Ranger, retired

"...a great tribute to our fathers that served as did my dad in the Navy.  I wish the younger people in this country had a greater appreciation for those who fought for freedom rather than entitlements." Real Estate executive

"What a wonderful tribute to add to the memorials and displays of gratitude in Normandy from the French people. (This exhibit is) so visual and means so much to anyone who respects the service and sacrifice given by our men and women who have spent time in the military."  Grateful donor.

"John has been able to capture so many incredible images of these heroes over the years." Family member.

I've now put my fund-raising hat back into the closet.  Job done.  America's combat veterans and all who have served deserve every bit of recognition and respect we can possibly give them.  It was a privilege for me to help this project come to reality, thanks to the generosity and heart of many good friends.  Mark