Today marks
the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
I’ve been
reading article after article about the infamous invasion at Normandy. Looking through thousands of photos. Trying to wrap my head around the mind
blowing planning that went into this.
War isn’t
something I normally write about because, well, it’s heart breaking. Something really stood out to me today, though,
as I was reflecting on this anniversary.
The number of people
with all variety of skills and abilities that came together to accomplish this
is staggering.
There’s a
new book out called The Forecast for D-Day which is about the
criticality of the weather forecast used to determine on which day D-Day would
happen. It was originally scheduled for
June 5.
I had never
thought about meteorology and war but it was a critical decision factor.
As I scrolled
through photo after photo, I saw fitters and mechanics repairing tanks and
Jeeps. Paratroopers preparing to jump in
the black of night. Bagpipers playing to
motivate and signal their fellow troops.
Supply personnel forecasting the amount of soap needed by troops (3,489 long tons of soap would be
required for the first four months in France in case you were
wondering). Even an entrepreneur from
Louisiana who had originally created the shallow-draft boat used in Normandy to
rescue flood victims in the US south.
What is absolutely clear to me is that every single one of
those people was important. Every one of
them had something to offer and all of it was needed for success.
The same is true for each of us. Whatever it is that you do and are in this
life, you are important and you are valuable.
You never know when the skill or ability that you think isn’t a big deal
will be critical to someone else.
Society tends to view certain roles and jobs as more
important or more prestigious. But
really? Anything done with honor,
diligence and courage is a job well done.
