I’ve always enjoyed talking with those men and women of journalist Tom Brokaw’s Greatest Generation.
And Leonard Trimpe of Seymour is one of my favorites.
That’s because he was along with first wave of soldiers to hit Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day.
Over the years, I’ve had to talk with Leonard and wrote his story several times.
At 89, Trimpe can still recall vividly the details of June 6, 1944, and his thoughts on what was one of the bloodiest days in American history.
It’s easy to hear the pain in his voice when he talks about the 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers who didn’t live through that day.
It’s also easy to understand why he expresses such pride in what was accomplished that day and during the drive to end Hitler’s reign over Fortress Europe.
I learn more and more about that day every time I talk to Leonard.
He and other veterans, not only of those WWII, but every vet, brings history alive for me and anyone willing to take the time to listen to what they have to say.
That doesn’t mean I think I’m any better than anyone else because I get paid to listen to vets like Leonard talk about the sacrifices they’ve made for every American.
And I’m as guilty as everyone else when it comes to thanking vets for those sacrifices. So I’m going to do it now.
“Thank you” Leonard, and thanks to the rest of the men and women who have served and sometimes given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.

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