It was difficult to end our trip as we could have used more of a rest period but after two days in Paris is was time to go home. In the morning we headed to DeGaulle for our flight back to Dulles. All went relatively smoothly from what I remember and I was completely humbled by the trip. There were alot of good memories and plenty of additional stories only a small portion of which I recorded here. We had been to many of the spots Dad had been during his tour through Europe in WWII. We had a lot of surprises and good luck on the trip as well as if some “angel” was watching over Dad and I am sure that was likely the case. Considering the fact that there was no mobile Internet to speak of at the time, our navigation tools were largely paper maps, and that we largely had “No Reservations” it was a great success.
In summary, this trip was such a great experience and honor to be with our father who had served in the D-Day invasions and throughout Europe during 1944-1945. Upon reflection, given what he had been through, he was very lucky to be alive and therefore so were we his children. It was cause to celebrate but also a time to reflect on those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
During the trip it also gave me time to reflect on how far that area of the world had progressed beyond conflict to establish a new set of peaceful relations. This was really encouraging and that part of the World had truly passed through a very dark time into a time of more light and optimism. There are certainly significant problems and injustices that we continue to face but this period gives us an example of hope that dark times may pass and that the united will of free men may prevail and overcome significant trials. May we be vigilant against dark times returning.
May god bless us all and preserve the peace.
-Joe Macker, Oct 2012
