When was the last time you thought about bravery being on the line?
I often write and tell people that America is quick to forget history lessons from the past.
“Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.” Is a quote stated by American philosopher George Santayana.
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2024/03/04/past-repeat/
Question for Quote Investigator: The study of history teaches vital lessons; however, those lessons are often unheeded. Here are five versions of a popular adage:
(1) Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
(2) Those who do not learn from the experience of history are doomed to repeat it.
(3) Those who cannot learn from the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them.
(4) Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
(5) Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
As a Brigade Command Sergeant Major (Bde CSM) from 1998-2000, I had several Noncommissioned Officers under my control write a book report on Normandy or D-Day.
The purpose was preparation for a staff ride to Normandy, France.
As a leader, I wanted them to know the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price as we prepared for a seven-day Staff Ride to Normandy, France, and witness what bravery was all about.
Anytime I hear or think of Normandy, I see bravery on the line.
Ironically, shortly after I took on my leadership role as the Bde CSM Tom Brokaw, a well-known journalist, wrote the book “The Greatest Generation” in 1998.
The Greatest Generation (book) – Wikipedia
To this very day, from the time that I visited Normandy, (latter half of 1999 or earlier part of 2000) the lessons of repeating history continue to ring loudly in my ears.
I believe that until you have visited the cemetery in Normandy where soldiers are buried, you will not fully understand what the word bravery means.
Normandy American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments Commission (abmc.gov)
For those who speak French or have roots in France, The Normandy American Cemetery, in my humble opinion, is even more breathtaking than Arlington National Cemetery, which I have visited and walked to.
The Normandy American Cemetery and the history of the D-Day gravediggers (outono.net)
Last week (June 6, 2024), we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion or D-Day.
I feel so blessed to know what bravery looks like and how that specific history lesson of 80 years ago during World War II changed the world as we fight for democracy.
I’m incredibly honored to know that I stood near the location where Presidents Ronald Regan and Joe Biden respectfully gave the 40th and 80th Commemoration speeches of D-Day.
I also consider my visit to Normandy, France, and those who attended the staff ride with me a powerful reminder of those who went before us.
As a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and Sergeant Morales Club, I was responsible for their training and development.
As mentioned previously, I had them write a book report. I also read each of their book reports for clarity and purpose. This was part of my Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development (NCOPD) Program to help them write better.
You must set standards when you’re in charge of Hundreds of Enlisted soldiers.
Initially, I received pushback when I told them they would not go to Normandy if they didn’t write it. Their attitude changed when they could walk on the five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
They understood why Pointe du Hoc was critical and a strategic location where the brave men of Army Rangers scaled cliffs in the face of withering German Machine Gun fire.
They could also hear the unmistakable sounds of what a German Machine gun sounds like compared to an American machine Gun.
We also visited one of the strangest events of the D-Day invasion, which took place in Sainte-Mère-Église.
As a paratrooper, I know what it means not to land on the ground in the middle of the night.
The D-Day paratrooper who landed on a church (aleteia.org)
Although this celebration or anniversary may have slipped by many because they have no idea of what bravery on the line looks like, it’s a reminder that all branches of military service are putting bravery on the line every day.
It reminds me to continue to tell our history to those young men and women following in our footsteps.
I get it when I think of bravery on the line and having walked the five beaches of Normandy, especially Omaha Beach.
The Greatest Generation that Tom Brokaw wrote about in his book gives credit to those who were part of the Normandy Invasion. By the way, today, there are few in numbers that are still alive and able to tell their story.
The book I read cover to cover in my preparation for Normandy was Victory #1 Beyond the Beachhead: The 29th Division in Normandy by Joseph Balkoski, and Stephen E. Ambrose (Foreword).
It’s an excellent read for understanding D-Day.
Maybe the history of Normandy doesn’t mean much to you today, or you have no desire to visit France; however, remember, “Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.”
Every day, many continue to forget about the freedoms we have today as we witness the wars in Ukraine and in the Holy Land.
Some have even forgotten about the bravery that was on the line during the September 11, 2001, attacks when four commercial passenger airplanes carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States.
Bravery on the line happens daily, whether we notice it or not.
6 Soldier Stories of Army Bravery · United Service Organizations (uso.org)
You don’t have to serve in the military to understand the importance of bravery on the line, as we witnessed and learned many lessons during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
If you recall the first line written in this blog, “When was the last time you thought about bravery being on the line?”
I’ll say that I’m honored after years of red tape, Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr., a Black medic, is now receiving recognition for his heroics on D-Day 80 years after the Allied invasion of Normandy.
If you listen, watch the video, and understand what happened specifically on Omaha Beach, Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr. put his bravery on the line, saving countless lives.
Video: Black medic finally recognized for bravery during D-Day | CNN
I like the definition of bravery stated by Morgan Harper Nichols. “Bravery is the audacity to be unhindered by failures, and to walk with freedom, strength, and hope in the face of things unknown.”
I pray that the American people will not forget the history lessons of the past and learn from them as we move into the future.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Clyde,
My Pleasure!
CM
When was the last time I thought about bravery being on the line? I was taught to take responsibility for every area of my life. Being brave was a given so not much time to think about it being on the line. Thanks for the reminder to not take things for granted.
Dr. Fox,
Thanks for your insight. The words “Being brave was a given” have changed so much over the years, as has our culture.
McKinley
McKinley, thank you for that history lesson. Your type of candid and direct leadership is rare in any organization today. You developed stronger leaders because of it.
Scott,
I’m humbled today by your comments.
Thank you for your continued support.
McKinley
The last time I thought about Bravery was in 1966 as an 18 yr old hovering in a plane over Saigon Vietnam not knowing what awaited me on the ground. When I look back I believe my youth was my bravery and my Grandmothers prayers are what protected me the 12 months I was there…
Jim,
First and foremost, thank you for your service. Being brave at 18 years old is an awesome feat especially heading to war. I know like yours Grandparents and family prayers have protected me.
McKinley
Thanks for sharing CM, I feel there is a challenge to sustain a level of bravery in our current state in our country regarding the threat from our adversaries. I don’t take for granted that I have a rare opportunity to impact wisdom and share my military experiences with the next generation. History tends to repeat itself in some ways, so it is only a matter of time before this next generation is called upon to be brave like those that came before us.
Terrance,
It’s an honor to share my thoughts with you.
You and I both know the state of our country.
Yes, without a doubt, history will repeat itself.
It’s going to up to our next generation to be brave like those that came before us.
CM