Remembrances of D-Day, Ruminations About Iraq

In 1976, when I was a high school senior, my father gave me a college scholarship application from the Disabled American Veterans. He simply explained that he had lost his right eye in World War II. I never knew that he had a glass eye. Fast-forward to Memorial Day 1984. After much prodding, it was the first time he told stories of being at Utah Beach during the D-day invasion. Like so many others, he did not want recognition; he was just doing his duty.

My dad is now 91 years old, telling stories more freely. Thank you to him and all the others for their service and sacrifice for our country!

Michelle Grohowski-Ray

Chatsworth

“Bush, Chirac Pledge to Cooperate on Iraq” (June 6), on President Bush’s and French President Jacques Chirac’s meeting, stated, “Chirac had worked with [German Chancellor Gerhard] Schroeder to block Bush’s intentions to invade Iraq.” Why they wanted the invasion blocked is very interesting. Both France and Germany were doing business with Saddam Hussein, even though he was under sanctions. Of course they did not want Hussein out; they were making major money. And they want us out now so that they can get back in themselves.

Dafni Black

Culver City

Re Michael Ramirez’s D-day cartoon, “Europe will never forget the sacrifices made today.... Wanna bet?” Commentary, June 6: I was 4 years old in June 1944. I remember and so does the rest of Europe. Today, I watched the ceremonies in Normandy and wept. I am grateful, Mr. Ramirez. I was able to grow up speaking French and not German. It does not mean that I will be thankful for the foolhardy policies of the current administration, nor will I rush into an ego-driven invasion and fall to my death like a brainless lemming.

Paulette F. Katz

Los Angeles

Chirac’s speech at the D-day ceremony on Sunday was filled with empty platitudes about Franco-American friendship and French appreciation for the lives of the thousands of American boys buried just yards from where he spoke. The real meaning is worth as much as the number of French troops in Iraq standing “shoulder to shoulder” with our GIs: zero.

Walter Bales

Anaheim