Being the anniversary of D Day, do you feel the youth of today really understand the true significance?

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:36:53 -0400

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made Jun 6 at 2016 9:42 AM

Sgt Christopher Wenzel — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:42:14 -0400

Hell no. It's just another date to them. I find that even some junior service members don't realize the significance of today. I think a large part of it has to do with the dwindling number of remaining soldiers that served in that time. People recognize Vietnam and Korea more than WWII because we have a generation who lived in that time period. It was on their TVs and in their day-to-day conversation.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 6 at 2016 9:44 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:44:19 -0400

Good question but you may be surprised with how many of our youth today are interested in the WWII generation. I have seen first hand college students who are attending our BC Veterans Events on campus and asking us old veterans tons of questions about our service. Sadly a lot of them had a grand dad or grand uncle who never talked about their years in WWII or Korea and have passed on without leaving behind much about any of their service years.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 9:47 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:47:09 -0400

I don't believe I understand all that I should about D-Day. Frankly, it is almost beyond the scope of my comprehension .

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 9:48 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:48:20 -0400

I do not believe so. They do not seem to understand sacrifice to the degree the WWII vets did. Growing up in the depression era made this group of Americans a special bunch and most of todays population do not understand it.

Response by SSgt Trevor Smith made Jun 6 at 2016 9:49 AM

SSgt Trevor Smith — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:49:44 -0400

Nope. None of them read, study , or care about our history. It's becoming a dying art and subject with this younger generation. I'm always spouting something about history because I'm a history geek, and finishing up a military history degree, and I get a lot of who cares from the young kids. Because of this, I make sure my daughters are actively involved in my history studies and learn as much of our history as possible. They love it and are both excited about it too. I figure who knows, if I can get a couple young kids to be interested, maybe they'll pass along some knowledge and get some other young kids interested also.

Response by SFC John Hill made Jun 6 at 2016 10:02 AM

SFC John Hill — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:02:00 -0400

A friend of mine is a high school history teacher and in the text book they used, three pages were on WWII.

Response by Alan K. made Jun 6 at 2016 10:14 AM

Alan K. — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:14:04 -0400

Not hardly....

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 6 at 2016 10:22 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:22:06 -0400

I'm sure that some do, CSM Private RallyPoint Member. However, totally coincidentally, I just asked a young coworker what happened 72 years ago today. I even gave him a clue, saying, think of the date, not the number of years. He was clueless. He was chagrined to some degree, but I think many young people his age (under 30) don't even know of the events, much less their significance.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 10:47 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:47:17 -0400

D-Day is a lost date that people do not recognize as much as they should, more people remember pearl harbor which had a more direct impact on the population though I would argue is a minor event compared to the grand scale and planning and counter planning that went into the D-day invasion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 10:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:51:52 -0400

I don't think they understand. Veterans and current service members truly understand. Especially if you've been shot at.

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Jun 6 at 2016 10:53 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:53:21 -0400

I really don't think for the most part, they know the true significance of this event ! what might have transpired if this event did not happen. Or how would our world look today! Good question CSM Private RallyPoint Member. Makes one ponder of what was and what is...

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 11:08 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:08:10 -0400

Some say it took a lot of courage to get off of those landing craft. I disagree. It was safer getting off and going inland than staying on them.

What took courage was getting on the boats to begin with.

They were a lot of brave young men, and many did not see the end of the day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:21:18 -0400

Nope. Not at all. Not one bit. I cant even imagine the type of courage it took to even get off those boats and run on that beach to almost certain death. I don't even think newer Soldiers even understand it. Maybe they should have a couple of days of AIT or BCT where you speak on military history and watch certain movies.
Watching those movies like Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan really puts things into perspective.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 6 at 2016 11:42 AM

TSgt Joe C. — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:42:53 -0400

Some may understand the significance, however, most probably do not sadly.

Response by PVT Samuel Caspers made Jun 6 at 2016 1:00 PM

PVT Samuel Caspers — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 13:00:21 -0400

Unfortunately they don't due in part to our education system and parenting. I grew up in a family with a rich military tradition going back to the Civil War in America and back to the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, so I was taught the battles and histories and traditions that my ancestors had. When I was in school, very few of my classmates has any knowledge of World War 2 other than the fact that we won it and that Adolf Hitler was a National Socialist. Even after "learning" from our teacher, there was little explanation of the build up to DDay such as Operation Torch or the training of Commonwealth and American service members for the battle. My teacher personally skipped over the importance of the glider and airborne soldiers in securing the beach head. One man I admire very much so, is my Great Grandfather. USA(Dec) TEC5 Thomas Blair served in the 18th Infantry Regiment and as GEN Omar Bradley's personal driver in the European Theatre. I grew up listening to his stories, sometimes not believing what he was saying. His vivid recollections of fighting at Omaha where he earned a Purple Heart and further fighting inland when he earned his CIB and a Bronze Star have shaped me into the soldier and citizen I am today. I learned that without men willing to participate in the largest invasion force ever assembled, that life as we know it may be completely different. Liberties that we take granted would be gone. Freedom of the press, freedom of religion, the right to have fraternal organizations, the right to marry and procreate with whoever you want to. and many others would most likely not be available to us. If we had lost that battle, historians have estimated that a peace treaty between the Western Allies and Germany would have ensued, leaving Germany to fight a one front war instead of a three front war. This heightens their chances of conquering the Russians or beating them badly enough to sue for a peace settlement. It would have allowed more time for German rocket, aero, and nuclear engineers to finish weapons projects that could project the reach of German military might.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 6 at 2016 5:51 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 17:51:39 -0400

It depends on their education and upbringing!

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jun 6 at 2016 8:50 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 20:50:14 -0400

Yes and no. I don't think they do but I also don't think its because they care any less. This would be like asking any of us about understanding the true significance of Gettysburg. D-Day and WWII was heavily imparted on us as young children since all of our nations leaders and grandparents had either served or lived though both the depression and WWII. Thus, those of us born by the mid-1980's were far more connected to WWII. Most of our appreciation of WWII came from our interpersonal connections, not books, however books are basically all we'll have going forward.

Unfortunatly there just isn't enough veterans from that era around to help connect the dots for our future generations.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jun 6 at 2016 9:06 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 21:06:45 -0400

Of course I can't speak for every young mind. I think much is lost b/c of the education standards. Instead of giving help where it is needed, a pass is given where it shouldn't. The standards are lowered further so everyone gets a 'participation trophy'. If a teacher doesn't 'teach' a subject or topic correctly, then those learning it won't get it well.
Who knows? A survey would have to be done on a sample population and even then, there'd be margin of error.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jun 6 at 2016 11:32 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:32:59 -0400

Pretty much anything positive in US History has to be researched by the Youth on their own. Our educational system has been destroyed by the liberals that infiltrated higher education in the 1960s. The only thing kids learn about US history is we built a nation on the backs of slavery while killing off the natives, keeping women down and exploiting the working class.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 7:00 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 07:00:51 -0400

Not at all. In fact I'm not sure if a lot of our young Soldiers understand the significance.

Response by SSG Dale London made Jun 7 at 2016 8:49 AM

SSG Dale London — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:49:39 -0400

Not really. There are so few WWII vets left that it isn't personal to the youth anymore. Most kids see the war through the lens of video games -- and it has relegated history to the realm of interesting trivia or even mythology.
All we have to do is look at how many college kids now believe that hard-lined socialism is a good thing. They don't link the word "NAZI" with the German National Socialist Party. They just decry free speech as a hate crime and say nobody's rights matter if somebody is "offended."
Patton and MacArthur are rolling in their graves.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 9:13 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:13:22 -0400

All that pops into my head is the scene in Talladega Nights when the sons insult their grandfather....."Greatest Generation, my ass, Chip!"

Response by SPC Mark Kreutsberg made Jun 7 at 2016 9:13 AM

SPC Mark Kreutsberg — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:13:32 -0400

What I have seen is a progressive disconnect from that event. Here is what I mean. The youth today don't have even second hand knowledge of that time as their great or great-great grandparents fought in that war. It's like my generation and my parents generation with Gettysburg. We know and understand the historical significance of the event, but since we do not personally know anybody who was there, we do not have the emotional investment in that event. I see it the same with the kids now adays. They know how important the U.S. role in WWII was and that D Day was the turning point but they do not have the first hand stories from family like we do. Just like the following generation will have even less emotional attachment to those events. It's not good, it's not bad. It just is. And until we have another event such as D Day no one will have that broad kind of emotional understanding, until then we soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines will carry the emotional torch of our personal D Days.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jun 7 at 2016 9:15 AM

SSG Michael Scott — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:15:02 -0400

Hell no! They need to know, all need to know. I have made it a point to teach my children about WWII as a parent and Veteran. If it was not for the GREATEST GENERATION, we all would be speaking German....think about it.....

Response by 1LT Michael Fahnestock made Jun 7 at 2016 9:16 AM

1LT Michael Fahnestock — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:16:20 -0400

This question is one that more than simple consideration. A great number of todays youth does understand the worth of D Day and its effect with respect to the success of World War 2. Another question of the days thought requests whether the validity of limited warfare. World War 2 was not limited, clearly justified. and served its purpose. Post 1945, the military of this country had not been engaged in a 'justified' conflict. This has cost the youth of today to question leadership of the government to be questioned. Korea, Viet Nam, and the current world situation, youth feels they have little to no control over. This idea has validity, but that can be said of taxes and any other governmental function. One of the problems I have witnessed as a teacher of Social Studies is that history has no real value to many of the students. As I start my year I pass out a blank sheet of the United States with no state names on this sheet. I put the 2 letter state postage listings on the board and am totally amazed at how few students can list more than 5 to 10 states correctly. Florida, Texas, Maine, were generally correct, following that over 70% of my students got less than 10 correct. I have conducted this examination every year I have taught and every year the ability of students to know their country has dropped. This has led to a general drop of todays youth in having an appreciation of this country Being able to identify the location of the 50 states is clearly not the only defining trait of a quality student or American. This erosion of an appreciation of our country has led to a attitude of failure to concern themselves with this country. We have to make a concerted effort to ensure youth of this country are presented with a realistic history allowing youth to understand and appreciate their roots which is essential to keeping this country strong.

Response by Capt Vickie Adams made Jun 7 at 2016 9:31 AM

Capt Vickie Adams — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:31:34 -0400

You gotta be joking! They don't teach history in depth. There's like two pages on any given war. They don't know what D-Day is, let alone understand its' significance.

Response by Lt Col Robert Canfield made Jun 7 at 2016 9:47 AM

Lt Col Robert Canfield — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:47:15 -0400

Most young people under 30 are clueless about D-Day and how it changed the world landscape (and is still changing it). Unless a particular millennial youth grew up in a military family, or studied American History (TRUE American History, not the censored bullsh*t most colleges and universities are peddling today); then they probably think "D-Day" is some pop-culture icon. That would be a good question for "Waters World": "What was D-Day ?" I can just see the blank stares and hear the crickets chirping....

What was D-Day? The best and worst day in the 20th century; when Europe and West Asia were given a second chance, and pulled back from the precipice of madness of Nazi Fascism and the Holocaust it created. It was the best day because of the courage and tenacity of those who stood up against it. It was the worst day because they had too. It's too bad that lesson will probably be squandered again in the 21st century.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 9:53 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 09:53:42 -0400

Nope.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Jun 7 at 2016 10:14 AM

CDR William Kempner — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:14:00 -0400

No. How can they? A lot of them think George Washington won WW II!! HOWEVER, if they chance to meet a WW II vet, particularly a combat vet, it usually makes an impression on them!!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:15 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:15:11 -0400

In a word........no.

Response by LTC William Bridgeman made Jun 7 at 2016 10:21 AM

LTC William Bridgeman — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:21:28 -0400

I'll wager that if you did a man-on-the-street with millennials, most wouldn't know what D-Day was, when it was, or which war in which it occurred. But, they can probably tell you what the Kardashians had for breakfast this morning.

Response by MAJ John Adams made Jun 7 at 2016 10:21 AM

MAJ John Adams — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:21:41 -0400

I seriously doubt that the men who loaded into the Higgins boats and onto the C-47's really had a good handle on the significance of the day. They were too busy being scared and trying not to look it. So, no, I doubt that young folks have a real concept of the importance of June 6, 1944. But honestly, how would they? Events in a history book are always presented as "things that happened in the past", and there's very little explanation except for some historian's pet theory about why it happened. Unless you have direct access to participants in the event, who are willing to talk about it, it really doesn't impact your day to day life -- even if, in reality, it DOES impact you because if something else had happened your life would be completely different and possibly much, much worse -- so the tyranny of the immediate takes precedence. Only the history buffs will truly appreciate the event once the generation who were there is gone.
Dates and events in history fade into the background noise of existence eventually. I wonder how many English young people have much of an idea of the importance of the battle at Senelac in 1066 beyond it being another damn date to remember for a test. (You may call it the Battle of Hastings.)

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made Jun 7 at 2016 10:23 AM

PO2 Gerry Tandberg — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:23:57 -0400

I've read many books on the subject and still have a hard time understanding what might have gone through the minds of those who participated in the D Day invasion. My father fought in the Pacific War as a naval engineering officer. He lost many of his friends to the kamikaze. My brother-in-law flew over 30 missions as both a B-17 co-pilot and pilot over Germany. My wife lost an uncle during the invasion. I don't recall reading, or any discussion in my history classes in high school about D Day. My Father never spoke of his war memories. It has taken me a long time to understand the reality of the sacrifices of those who have actually fought for freedom. WWII may very well have been the last of the wars that was justificable and truly a threat to the freedoms we have today. Yet, very few of our youth even know why we committed to fighting this war. Therefore, I say no, youth of today really don't understand the true significance of D Day.

Response by Sgt Jim Weeder made Jun 7 at 2016 10:32 AM

Sgt Jim Weeder — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:32:00 -0400

NO it has fallen off just like WWI has. THey are not taught history like we were.

Response by SGT David Felten made Jun 7 at 2016 10:33 AM

SGT David Felten — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:33:22 -0400

SADLY, Today's youth have "no clue" about D-Day, nor Korea and Vietnam for that matter.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:53:16 -0400

No, they do not, nor will they unless we bring back our true values and be the country we were, by the rules and laws in which we were founded on. This change of not offending anyone is making me sick. Bring back the old military and be 100% USA and for the greater good.

Response by TSgt William Grant made Jun 7 at 2016 10:59 AM

TSgt William Grant — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:59:52 -0400

Unfortunately, I do not believe most adults understand the cost and significance of D-Day. So I don't feel the youth would feel obliged to know.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 11:05:56 -0400

Just because our "youth" wasn't there doesn't make them ignorant of our History. There's ignorance amongst all age groups not just our "youth". Just as this question is of that same category.

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Jun 7 at 2016 11:35 AM

SFC Michael Peterson — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 11:35:56 -0400

No they don't. In fact, I would bet that over 90% would have no idea what "D Day" was.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 11:46:58 -0400

I don't know that I really understand the true significance. I cant imagine hitting those beaches greeted by a hail of fire, or what it felt like seeing the person next to me explode and just driving on. Yesterday my son asked me what was the date, I answered 6/6 the anniversary of the D day invasion. He replied with Omaha, Utah, Point Du Hoc. Surprised me! all is not lost.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 12:03 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:03:38 -0400

Most of them don't have a clue. If it wasn't on facebook, twitter or youtube they haven't seen it.

Response by LTC Mark Beattie made Jun 7 at 2016 12:26 PM

LTC Mark Beattie — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:26:41 -0400

Youth of today have little understanding of the significance of D-Day, and it's because their parents have little or no understanding either. Sad, but as a whole, the citizens of our Nation know very little of American history, or any history.

Response by SrA Sarah Dauback made Jun 7 at 2016 12:59 PM

SrA Sarah Dauback — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:59:35 -0400

Late to the party...sorry...

Without casting aspersions on most of our young people, I would venture a guess that most of them could not even tell you what D Day references. Sadly, I'm certain my 21-year-old daughter couldn't. Too caught up in the Kardashians and the housewives show and posting to facebook, twitter, and youtube to care what happened that many years ago. Perhaps history buffs amongst the millenials could, but for the most part, no. I think more people in my generation could but that is because we were closer and had older relatives who were in service during the war with personal experiences that made it more real for us.

Response by CMSgt John Momaney made Jun 7 at 2016 1:02 PM

CMSgt John Momaney — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:02:33 -0400

Absolutely not. Times have really changed in America. Our younger generation is not concerned about it. To busy texting, streaming, or producing a video to get a million hits. Lost in the cyber world trying to create an imaginary life. intelligent but clueless about history and events that change the world. It's the "What can you give me now" generation. Look at you and laugh at your values and do the right thing attitude. the smart ones of this generation will understand how easy it is to control there peers and manipulate their minds and bodies. We have started to see this in our political leaders. America is under attack by polititions who no longer uphold our constitution and bill of rights.

Response by SGT Laura Delgadillo made Jun 7 at 2016 1:17 PM

SGT Laura Delgadillo — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:17:01 -0400

No, some maybe, but majority no. I asked around to people "what happened exactly 72 years ago" 1 person out of the dozen I asked got it right. He was a E2. NCOs had no idea.

Response by Sgt Able Snider made Jun 7 at 2016 2:17 PM

Sgt Able Snider — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 14:17:44 -0400

A big negative on that.

Response by Cpl David Klassen made Jun 7 at 2016 3:10 PM

Cpl David Klassen — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:10:40 -0400

No.

There is little else to say other than that. We repeat our mistakes when we fail to pass on what we have learned. When 9/11 happened there were little sacrifices made by the civilian population other than some longer waiting lines at the airport yet there were more people killed than at Pearl Harbour. Then we just placed blamed it all on a sitting President for everything that had happened.

Response by SSG Richard Hackwith made Jun 7 at 2016 4:45 PM

SSG Richard Hackwith — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 16:45:31 -0400

I was born in 1945, when I was growing up WWII was "yesterday" so we grew up with a much better understanding of what had just happened. As time passes yesterday becomes history and as more time passes today's history becomes ancient history. It is a natural progression of events, once the people to whom an event is a living memory pass away, the less it is remembered and understood. Once it has passed from living memory it becomes a historical event to be studied and analyzed by scholars, everyday people lose interest. How many, today, can really say they truly understand the complete significance and ramifications of WWI

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Jun 7 at 2016 6:34 PM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 18:34:39 -0400

With a few rare exceptions (and kudos and applause to those exceptions) who are either current servicemembers, veterans, and/or history buffs, these answer is HELL, NO!! The spoiled, bratty, entitled millenials are most interested in the Kardashians, Kanye West, and whining for "space spaces" "micro-aggressions" and other race-baiting, America-hating, politically-correct B.S. to give a tinker's damn about D-Day in particular or about our military history & heritage in general. It's pathetic.

Response by MSG Don Burt made Jun 7 at 2016 6:57 PM

MSG Don Burt — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 18:57:12 -0400

A blanket statement: " No way do they understand"
with that being said, they can learn to understand if they aren't force fed a lot of
liberal, socialist crap that is now going on in the colleges. If they have any relatives that were involved through their families with WWII, then they'll be the lucky ones. A lot are too involved with their cell phones, good times and not caring from day to day. Setting the example whenever we can and trying to explain about D Day will go a long way in helping out.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jun 7 at 2016 7:41 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:41:11 -0400

No.

Response by CPL James Ross made Jun 7 at 2016 10:23 PM

CPL James Ross — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 22:23:16 -0400

No they don't, mostly because their parents don't. It is too far in the past, and there is very little taught about the entire WW II.

Response by MSG John Wirts made Jun 7 at 2016 10:36 PM

MSG John Wirts — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 22:36:03 -0400

Hell No the Libtard Indoctrination Centers Don't teach any more, they indoctrinate their charges about WHITE PRIVILEGE, Black suppression, all wars from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War , the Spanish American War, WW I, WWII Korea Vietnam and the Gulf wars were all based on white privilege and discrimination. We are totally ignoring the fact that if the Axis had won in either WW I OR WW II the world would be a much darker place, and those protesters would be dead. The final solution to all opposition was quick and with out appeal. Only would our CORRUPT POLITICAL SYSTEM would rename corruption to LOBBYING and allow all politicians to become millionaires by perverting our system to allow bribery, and career politicians to control the banks and wall street, and accept lobbying monies from them. They have to make sure that the rule of law and memorial day are never taught in public schools again!

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Jun 7 at 2016 10:48 PM

SGT Stanley Bass — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 22:48:46 -0400

For myself, no they do not understand. When I was young i did not understand. I had 3 grandfathers (1 I never met) all served in WWII. I did not understand the significance of any of our past engagements until late in my Military career, as is the case with I feel, a good majority of our youth and young service members. Just my side of it though

Response by SrA Bruce Kersman made Jun 7 at 2016 11:00 PM

SrA Bruce Kersman — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 23:00:44 -0400

Today's youth is not even aware of such things, much less, their meaning or significance...
Who will fight our wars and defend our country and people in the future>??? I guess we will have to rely on conscripts!!!!!!!!!

Response by LCpl Stephen Sharp made Jun 7 at 2016 11:21 PM

LCpl Stephen Sharp — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 23:21:06 -0400

Nope, Our students know very little about WW2, KOREA, VIETNAM or why were at war even now. Their iPHONES -- IPADS -- and other electronic devises take up a lot of their time rather than Patriotism. OUR liberal staffed schools of today haven't been telling the truth about our wars to our High School and College students for years.

Response by SSG Joseph Henderson made Jun 8 at 2016 12:29 AM

SSG Joseph Henderson — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:29:41 -0400

No I do not think they know. From what I have heard my kids talk about they do not teach in school as much as they should. I teach my kids about it because I want them to know what their great grandfather did and why.

Response by SGT Michael Cardin made Jun 8 at 2016 12:55 AM

SGT Michael Cardin — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:55:49 -0400

I feel the majority of the youth of America will ever truly appreciate the significance of D-Day or the entire Second World War.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 8 at 2016 1:42 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 01:42:43 -0400

I would say that today's youth have no idea what WWII was, where any of it took place, who the participants were, or why it was so important to World/US history.
I base this on my first hand discussions with DOD recruits as well as active Guard soldiers I help train. One can look at current school ciriculum and find next to nothing on it. However, the president did educate them with his apology to Japan for US actions during the conflict. So at least they know who to blame.
Can you imagine anyone today sacrificing for the common good? Would they ration food, fuel, vital materials? Would they endure any privations at all? D-Day? That's a band isn't it? Yeah they're cool...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 1:59 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 01:59:52 -0400

NO. MOST HAVE THAT COMMON CRUD/CORE THAT HAS BEEN DUMBING DOWN AMERICANS AND NOT TEACHING WHAT HAPPENED AT ALL IN OUR HISTORY OR THEY DO NOT TELL THE TRUTH SO THEY CAN LIE TO OUR YOUTH AND THE YOUTH NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. AND ALL BEHIND ALL PARTS OF THIS SHOULD BE JAILED AND CONVICTED OF TREASON AND HUNG. AND THE DEPT. OF ED SHUT DOWN ACROSS THE NATION AND EVERYONE IN ALL OF THEM SHOULD BE ARRESTED AND TRIED FOR TREASON AND IF THEY ARE GUILTY IN ANY WAY HUNG FOR TREASON. WE HAVE A HUGE MESS AND ITS NEEDS A MAJOR CLEANING NO MATTER HOW MESSY AND WE NEED TO DO IT.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 8 at 2016 2:03 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 02:03:02 -0400

"D-Day? Sure I saw them in concert, they rock!"
An emphatic NO the youth of today has no idea what happened two years ago let alone seventy.
However, the president did educate them by apologizing to Japan for the US role in the conflict. At least they know who was at fault and who to blame.
Does anyone think that today's young people (Those not serving) could make any personal sacrifices? Could they ration food, fuel, vital materials? Could they stand even the most trivial privations? These youth were in San Jose recently burning the American flag and hoisting another flag in its place. No, they are not likely to know or care about who and what it took to take a hostile beach.
Grandpa left Camp Roberts in 41', then Australia, Guadalcanal, a few islands, and finished in the Phillipines by 45'. So maybe that makes it more important to me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 4:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 04:23:00 -0400

I really don't believe so. Growing up we all knew 6 June and 7 December. But it seems like today, even with all of our history not too many folks care. Two years ago in December our Battalion Command Sergeant Major had us in the rain speaking of the Battle of the Bulge and our units participation. Encourage our young troops to walk through our Regimental rooms and see our past.

Response by SPC Cora Lubke made Jun 8 at 2016 5:16 AM

SPC Cora Lubke — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 05:16:08 -0400

No they dont. I feel that the schools skim over things like this in this day amd that is just a shame!

Response by SPC Tom Cheatham made Jun 8 at 2016 6:35 AM

SPC Tom Cheatham — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 06:35:59 -0400

The only thing they are interested in is their cell phones and what the next Kardashian is doing, they could care less about D-Day.

Response by 1LT Tom Wilson made Jun 8 at 2016 6:55 AM

1LT Tom Wilson — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 06:55:58 -0400

Not only is the significance of D-Day lost on the youth of today, it was lost on the Dick Cheney generation, who had other priorities than military service. The people in politics today who talk the loudest about our military heritage are, by and large, talking heads who employ the language of patriotism to pander to active and retired military.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 9:24 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 09:24:58 -0400

I think goes beyond today's youth. I think their parents and some grandparents don't understand this significance.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 8 at 2016 11:19 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 11:19:02 -0400

As I watched grown men and women and their children bathing and swimming in the World War II Memorial during Memorial Day weekend, no... they do not understand nor appreciate the gravity of the sacrifice that was made.

Response by SFC Timothy Reynolds made Jun 8 at 2016 11:28 AM

SFC Timothy Reynolds — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 11:28:36 -0400

If it doesn't come across their iphone news feed it doesn't mean squat to them.

Response by LCpl Bradley Otto made Jun 8 at 2016 2:18 PM

LCpl Bradley Otto — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 14:18:17 -0400

Have to say they do not know a whole lot about the event or those leading up to it. The schools have been told to not teach critical thinking or research at all. The teachers can't teach and the students don't care to learn about the history that shaped our world.

Response by MSG Julius Manning made Jun 8 at 2016 4:11 PM

MSG Julius Manning — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 16:11:43 -0400

No way in hell do they.

Response by SP6 Jean Baracco made Jun 8 at 2016 5:31 PM

SP6 Jean Baracco — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 17:31:05 -0400

No they don't, which is a shame.

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Jun 8 at 2016 6:02 PM

SSG Delanda Hunt — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 18:02:03 -0400

They have no clue and don't care.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Jun 8 at 2016 7:35 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:35:43 -0400

We must take time to teach our children and grand children - As vets we owe it to insure the future.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 9:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 21:22:03 -0400

I am a USPS rural carrier. On 6 June I asked one of my coworkers (about 28 yoa) if he knew what today was. He didn't. I told him it was D day. He didn't know what that meant. When I explained to him about it's importance in WWII, he did understand and remember some of WWII history. Then I asked my coworker on the other side of my workspace. She didn't know and she didn't really seam to care. Oh, and she is in her mid 50's.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 10 at 2016 4:36 AM

SSG John Jensen — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 04:36:01 -0400

"Tomorrow when the war began" John Marsden (I think) Aus book, author's note, generation gap issues, but at ANZAC day he noticed that all of the fringe kids gave due deference to the vets, and that the kids will perform as well as their elders if they get the same challenge. It's a better version of 'Red Dawn'.

Response by SFC Charles Temm made Jun 10 at 2016 10:21 AM

SFC Charles Temm — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 10:21:14 -0400

No but that is simply b/c our education system fails miserably to even teach basic US/world history anymore...

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jun 10 at 2016 1:51 PM

CPT Robert Boshears — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 13:51:28 -0400

As much as our Commander in Chief.

Response by SPC Ryan Buchholz made Nov 14 at 2016 6:59 PM

SPC Ryan Buchholz — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:59:35 -0500

I'm a history buff learning about war as far back as the Assyrians running amuck in the middle east. D day wasn't Just US Soldiers but Allied Forces attacking the beaches on which the germans built bunkers copied from the french's Concrete line defence. The German's actually pulled troops from a leaked source saying they were to attack another area. Theres tons of info you can dig up, but to actuallly know what happened. Only people who've seen their friends killed beside them can even relate, even then everyone responds differently. The question is really to vague to answer, so my answer is to find what you hold dear and pass it on to the next generation. Was it working with our allies to overcome an enemy, tactics of Intel, the hardships of surviving D-day. Really D-day is remembered through games blasting away people, Glorifying the sheer brutality of WW2.

Response by SPC Ryan Buchholz made Nov 14 at 2016 7:11 PM

SPC Ryan Buchholz — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 19:11:23 -0500

After reading most of your comments.... The people who do care, not only remember but search the truth. Fyi WW2 hasn't finished for everyone. Educate yourselves before grabbing a gun or noose. I'll still debate those who say WW3 will start by stating ww2 hasn't finished, but really isn't ww2 just an extension of ww1. People like to past on the popular vote, but what do you know?