Honor troops who took a beating, didn't quit

A recent trip to Europe included Omaha Beach, at Vierville-sur-Mer. My buddy and I walked out to the water and back, seeing the same view our boys had on June 6, 1944.

This stretch of sand also felt the boots of the 116th Infantry Regiment that long-ago morning. Trying to get ashore, they were ripped to shreds by extremely accurate and heavy German fire. Casualties were horrendous. But on they came. They didn't quit.

In the end, looking at the shattered young men littering the beach, you wouldn't have wanted a photo. They were a literal mess.

But honor is placed on their shoulders by many in our country - not how they did it but that they did. Despite the horrific pounding they took, there was something unseen that day. Our countrymen at home bowed their heads in wonder. They handed over honor to such a group as this. Isn't this the point?

On a lighter note, can't a parallel be drawn - in principle - to the Hawkeye football team? They have something going on inside that keeps them slogging on, despite the lack of outward flash.

Modern sportscasters have chuckled and smeared such a team. I wonder what they would say about the 116th Regiment?

Dan Miller

Anamosa