Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, I remember as a young boy my local newspaper doing a front page article about D-Day. As a young man, I had the honor of drinking beers and listening to the paratroopers who jumped into Normandy as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. Their stories of jumping into the drop zones of Normandy and their legendary exploits solidified my respect and admiration for the greatest generation.
Five times in my life I have been to Normandy, four with GORUCK and every time it’s different. I can run events all over the world and talk of the exploits of young men but standing on the beaches of Normandy with our community and being able to physically describe to folks what exactly happened so many years ago is special.
The two most spiritual experiences I have had with GORUCK occurred on Omaha Beach. These beaches symbolize a turning point in world history. We collectively came together to destroy tyranny in the greatest team event the world has ever seen. We will always come and honor the sacrifices of the men who jumped from airplanes and stormed the beaches of Normandy to ensure a better world for generations to come.
– Cadre Dan
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