Remembering D-Day: A Veteran’s Reflections

During a ceremony in Normandy, France, on Saturday, World War II veteran Arthur Rhodes shared a poignant letter he wrote just after June 6, 1944, marking 82 years since D-Day.

He began, “Dear Father, Mother, and Children, about a month prior to landing, I had this strange feeling that I might be involved in an invasion. But honestly, I didn’t think it would actually happen. I kept pondering, ‘What could I contribute to an invasion? Would I even be useful in the chaos?’ It seemed to me that someone like me would come in afterwards to help clear away the mess,” he recounted to the audience.

“But two weeks before D-Day, I found out I was going to be part of the action. We were heading to the assault ports, where thousands of ships and landing craft filled the docks. It was nonstop preparation—fuel, food, ammunition, and other supplies were being checked and checked again. You can only imagine the intensity and confusion,” he continued.

Rhodes reminisced about the day they started loading supplies for the invasion: “There was food, blankets, ammunition—everything that would be crucial once the troops hit the ground in France. That was when it truly hit us: the invasion was imminent. Then we got the message: ‘D-Day is June 6th,'” he read.

He described the mix of emotions he felt, “It’s hard to put into words. I wouldn’t say it was fear, and it wasn’t exactly excitement. It was just this odd, nervous anticipation, like, what’s coming next? When we finally set sail, the seas were rough—windy, and honestly, I felt miserable. I was nearly seasick. Everyone around was preparing for the worst—bombs, submarines, you name it. But the first attempt was canceled due to rough seas, and we returned to port. That was truly disappointing,” he stated.

On the next attempt, they set sail again. “As we neared the French coast, flashes lit up the sky, and the sounds of explosions were relentless. There was a lot of chaos, and while some were unfortunate casualties, many of us made it through,” he recalled.

Talking about the subsequent days, he noted, “That’s when our real work began. We worked day and night, hauling in essential equipment, medical supplies, and ammunition. What had started as just a spot on the French coast was transformed into a bustling port, filled with countless ships and personnel.” At this moment, he paused, remarking, “I don’t quite remember writing this,” before moving on.

He concluded his letter, saying, “I will always be thankful to the commander who brought me here. No need to worry about me—I’m healthy, intact, and happy. Love, Art.”