Pilgrimage to Normandy. June 2004

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Following on from the activities in support of the A.B.M.C and Memorial Day in the UK, 2004 is of course the 60th Anniversary year of the D-Day landings on the coast of France in support of Operation Overlord. Pershings Doughboys made a pilgrimage to Normandy, many members travelling in their period WW2 US Army historical vehicles. However, while undertaking activities in support of the memorials and remembrances for the veterans and fallen from that later conflict, Pershings Doughboys took time out to remember the heroes of the US Army National Guard from WW1. Today the sacrifices and contributions made by the citizen soldiers of the National Guard are often forgotten or eclipsed in the history books, by the courageous acts of famous US Airborne and special forces divisions. Never the less, in both WW1 and WW2, many of the historical victories could not have been secured without the supporting contribution played by Army National Guard divisions. The United States Army National guard, traces its history back to the earliest days of the American independence. Where each state raised independent Militias to defend its state against aggression. Today, hundreds of years later, the National Guard is an integral part of the US Armed forces, encompassing professional part time soldiers on air land and sea. During the Great War of 1914 -18, many thousands of National Guardsmen, were sent overseas to Britain and France, to fight in General Pershings American Expeditionary Force. In Fact nearly 75% of the combat troops in France at the time of the armistice were fighting in National Guard Regiments and Divisions. National Guard divisions fought side by side , and under direct British Control, around the bloody battles of the Somme and St Quentin in 1918. It is therefore appropriate and fitting that as British citizens we remember these proud men from our allies from across the sea. Men of the 27th New York and 30th Divisions, citizen soldiers all laid down their lives in the hail of machine gun fire, Pounding of artillery shells and horrors of mustard gas in order that we could enjoy the freedom of liberty and justice of hard won victory. It was therefore the least we could do, with the kind permission of the US National Guard Education Foundation (NGEF Washington DC). To be able to lay a floral tribute to these fallen heroes from WW1, and WW2 in Normandy at the National Guard monument in Normandy.

The National Guard Monument at Vierville Sur Mer, on the coast of Normandy , overlooks Omaha beach. The site sits on top of a German Bunker and artillery position, which formed part of Rommel's Atlantic Wall. The monument erected by the National Guard Association, pays tribute to the fallen guardsmen from both WW1 and WW2. In this respect the memorial is somewhat unique, as it provides the focus for current generations to remember the brave men of the United States Army National guard, who have contributed through their sacrifices, to the liberation of France , twice in as many generations.

In WW2 the men and women of the Guard, were called upon to provide federal service for the country in that conflict. In particular the men assaulting the beach at Bloody Omaha on June 6th 1944 were from the 29Th Division, Which battled up against this very formidable bunker and fortifications, to secure a foothold on the shores of northern France, under such extreme sacrifice, were indeed a National Guard Division.

Today National Guard Divisions provide a backbone of specialist support and augmented divisions to provide assistance to the regular Army Divisions of the US Army, anywhere in the world. Guardsmen and Women often perform a myriad of civilian occupations, and jobs, but are never the less highly trained professional soldiers ready to answer the call of the state or country, in times of crisis. These Modern Day Minute men, embody the spirit of Liberty, and the concept of the original Militias set up hundreds of years ago to defend the cause of justice and freedom for all.

Acts of remembrance, and memorial markers, monuments and stones can never bring back these forgotten heroes to whom we all owe so much for the freedom we all enjoy. However, in its small way, Pershings Doughboys hope to keep their memory alive, so that we can all learn from the sacrifices they gave over 60 and 80 years ago.

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