D-Day memories just a branch away

Remembering those who have gone before is a sobering exercise on

Memorial Day during a time of war.

Now, a new generation of young people risks all, and some make the

ultimate sacrifice in a conflict waged on foreign soil. Something

worthwhile can emerge from this strife, however, in the form of

artistic expression, and this is a good time to focus on one of World

War II’s most memorable battles. D-Day, the storming of the beaches

of Normandy and the massive Allied movement to retake Europe from the

Nazis, will be commemorated on the 60th anniversary of the event June

6, 2004.

New books of history and memoirs have been appearing in increasing

numbers on the shelves of the Newport Beach Public Library as the

date approaches. “Voices of Valor: D-Day, June 6, 1944” by Douglas Brinkley and Ronald J. Drez is one example. The authors present

testimonials from a broad range of regiments in twelve chapters that

cover every movement on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches,

and points beyond and in between.

“The Atlantic Wall, 1941-1944: Hitler’s Defenses for D-Day” is

Alan Wilt’s presentation of Rommel’s plan to protect Europe against

Allied assault. From another perspective, “The Bedford Boys: One

American Town’s Ultimate D-Day Sacrifice,” is a poignant account of

the tragedy which occurred when that small town in Virginia lost 21

young men on D-Day. It shows how their lives and deaths continue to

affect this community.

David Stafford’s “Ten Days to D-Day: Citizens and Soldiers on the

Eve of the Invasion” recounts the Normandy landing as experienced by

some everyday men and women, including an American paratrooper, a

member of the French resistance, and even a German soldier stationed

in France writing home to reassure his family. Drawing from diaries,

official records and contemporary accounts, the author has compiled a

compelling story of courage and sacrifice.

The author of “D-Day: The Greatest Invasion: A People’s History”

grew up in Nazi-occupied Holland. Dan Van der Vat has assembled a

highly personal and lavishly illustrated volume including maps and

war paintings as well as photographs. His work is an admirably

balanced overview with a full account of Canadian contributions to

the landing, sometimes overlooked in the popular histories of the

event.

There are old favorites that are worth revisiting as well.

Cornelius Ryan began his World War II trilogy with the publication in

1959 of “The Longest Day.” He started working on the book in the

mid-1950s, while the memories of the D-Day participants were still

fresh. And he spent three years interviewing D-Day survivors in the

United States and Europe. This is considered the classic account, and

its video version is also available in the library, on VHS and DVD.

Darryl Zanuck’s film, starring John Wayne, Henry Fonda and Richard

Burton was an astounding success in its time.

“D-Day, the Sixth of June” is another classic older film now on

DVD, released originally in 1956, starring Robert Taylor. Another

video masterpiece is the more recent “Saving Private Ryan,” Stephen

Spielberg’s film starring Tom Hanks. This award-winning film is also

available at the library in VHS and DVD formats.

However you plan to spend this Memorial Day holiday, keep in mind

the meaning behind the commemoration, and consider checking out some

of the resources available at the Newport Beach Public Library.

DID YOU KNOW?

There will be a Community Open House from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in

the Jorgenson Room at the Mariners Branch Library, 2005 Dover Drive,

to showcase plans for the new Donna & John Crean Mariners Branch

Library scheduled for completion in September 2005. Come check out

the architectural renderings and talk to architects, school and

library staff about this exciting new community resource.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach

Public Library. This week’s column is by June Pilsitz. All titles may

be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at

www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central

Library or any of the branch locations, please contact the Newport

Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.