Impetus for a Trip

June 6, 2014 will be 70 years since the Allied invasion of the beaches at Normandy, France during World War II.   Many of the members of the NOBC organization (National Order of Battlefield Commissions) were there.  One of those “Mustangs” (the descendents of NOBC members – of which Ron is one) was there:  JT Vogt's father was on Omaha Beach that day over 69 years ago.  JT, our friend from Wisconsin, wanted to see the beach someday and planned that the 70^th anniversary would be the time.  His friend, Dr. Bob Bivins, promised that he would go with JT, no matter what!  We decided to join them, that this would be a good time to take the trip which Ron has wanted to for so long.   Ron’s brother Merlyn and his wife are also hoping to come.  We invite whomever else would like to go to join us there.  Now to plan!

 Normandy Diversions

Ron's dad in the MN National Guard, 1935 

Before the famous Normandy invasion, there were two notable Allied invasions of Europe. The first was at Anzio, Italy.  Its “D-Day” was 22 Jan 1944 and lasted until 25 May 1944.  The 3^rd and 45^th  Infantry Divisions hit the beaches first and about mid-May, they were relieved to prepare for the invasion of southern France.  The 35^th Infantry Division relieved the 3^rd. Division.  Ron’s father was in the 35^th and was on the beach until the end of May.  On Memorial Day there is a memorial observation led by a 3^rd Division veteran of the invasion, Clyde Easter.  After talking with Clyde, we decided to include Anzio in our trip plans, so we will be going there first.

   Thus, the trip was born.