June 6, 1944.
A day that changed the world.
Well, we're on our way,
boys quickly becoming men,
total strangers now as close
as brothers,
hoping and praying
that all will come back
and yet knowing in our hearts
that some must stay.
Each in silent prayer saying,
Lord if it must be me,
remove my fears
and make me a man
this longest day of the year.
This is the day they trained us for,
every boy and man,
from Billy Smith of Oregon
to Sergeant Callahan.
As I crouch and watch my buddies,
can scarcely get my breath,
and I wonder which one,
yes, which one
has a rendezvous with death.
In the heart of every man's
a prayer
that this won't be the end,
that they'll live to hold a sweetheart,
a wife, a child again.
North, south, east, west,
each race, creed, color.
All these men stand side by side
cause now they need each other.
In a minute or two
that ramp will fall
on an unknown beach ahead.
And wa ters that once were a murky blue
will turn to a crimson red.
Those here remember Dunkirk,
and like then, it's away all boats,
an d we're striking a blow for freedom
with everything that floats.
There's tough old Sergeant Callahan.
He's not the same today.
I can hardly believe my ears.
What's that I hear him say?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on the earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against
Amen.