At a poignant ceremony held in Normandy, France, World War II veteran Arthur Rose recited a heartfelt letter he wrote just days after the historic D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. The event marked 82 years since the pivotal moment in history.
“Dear Mom and Dad and Kids,” Rose began, “About a month before we landed, I had a hunch I might be part of the invasion. It seemed unreal that I would actually be involved. I kept wondering what role I could possibly play in such an operation. Could I really be tasked with fixing engines amid a battle? I assumed people like me would only be needed later, after the chaos had subsided and the damage was assessed.”
Rose continued, “Two weeks before D-Day, I was informed that I would indeed be going and would contribute in any way I could. We moved to the assault port, where a multitude of ships and landing craft filled the harbor. It was a hive of activity, with everyone tirelessly preparing fuel, provisions, ammunition, and classified materials. Everything underwent rigorous checks multiple times. You can imagine the hustle and bustle.”
He went on to describe the critical preparations: “The day arrived for us to load the invasion supplies—food, blankets, ammunition, and all the essential items the troops would need once they set foot in France. That was when we knew the invasion was imminent. Soon, the announcement came: D-Day would be on June 6th.”
In a historic image from that day, landing craft and boats are seen transporting infantry and vehicles from sea to shore during the amphibious assault. (Universal Images Group/Getty Images)
“I can’t describe the feeling exactly. It wasn’t fear, and it wasn’t excitement. Just a funny feeling — nervousness, expectancy, and wondering what was going to happen next. Then we sailed. The sea was rough, windy, and miserable. I was seasick most of the time. Everyone expected bombing, submarines, battleships, and all hell to break loose at any moment. But the first attempt was called off because the sea was too rough, and we returned to the harbor. That was a real letdown,” Rose continued to read.
World War II veteran Arthur Rose delivers a speech during a ceremony at the US cemetery to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, Saturday, June 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)
“The next day, we sailed again. Near the coast of France, we could see flashes in the distance and hear the explosions continuously. In went the landing craft. We expected terrible destruction, as there was shelling, and men died. But not all of us,” he read.
“Then our work truly began: back and forth, day and night, bringing in equipment, medical supplies, and ammunition. What had once been just another stretch of French coast had suddenly become a vast harbor filled with hundreds of ships and thousands of men.”
Reinforcements disembark from a landing barge at Normandy during the Allied invasion of France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
At this point, Arthur stopped reading and said aloud, “I don’t remember writing this,” before continuing.
“I will always be grateful to my commander for taking me along. Don’t worry about me. I am well, and whole, and happy. Love, Art,” he concluded.
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