It is June 6th as I write this column. I turned on my computer to begin and my home page brought me the news that today is the anniversary of D Day. I clicked on the story and now I can't focus on my column. I have tears in my eyes. I quote Associated Press: President Obama saluted the contributions of individual veterans of the Normandy landings, including one veteran, Jim Norene, who fought as a member of the 101st Airborne Division.

"Last night, after visiting this cemetery for one last time, he passed away in his sleep," the president said. "Jim was gravely ill when he left his home, and he knew that he might not return. But just as he did 65 years ago, he came anyway. May he now rest in peace with the boys he once bled with, and may his family always find solace in the heroism he showed here."

I am greatly touched for two reasons. The first is that I have recently visited the Normandy beaches and the American cemetery with its thousands and thousands of white crosses. It is so humbling. Unbelievably the beaches are still heavily pocked with craters in the sand where explosions occurred. The cliffs are steep. It is amazing that the men scaled them to come ashore from their boats. It is a sacred place in the countryside of France. No development has come to the area. It looks the same as it must have in 1944.

The second is that I am a daughter, a wife and a mother of a veteran thus I have a deep and abiding gratitude for our veterans. I personally know of only one other person that shares that honor but I am sure there are many. As a military wife I can relate to the separations that spouses endure as I experienced it with the Vietnam War. As a mom I experienced a son enlisting during the Gulf War.

In Broad Ripple we have two American Legion Posts. There are members among them who served in World War II. We are losing these great Americans rapidly. Today I thank the all World War II veterans for their contributions. Post #34, I so appreciate your dining table at the front door, representing the Missing in Action.

Now let me tell you something fun to howl about. On June 20th there will be an event to support Weimaraner rescue. These are great dogs. The name of the event is "Weim & Cheese" sponsored by Louisville Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. and is being held from 5-9:00 PM at Indiana Downs in Shelbyville, Indiana. It is a live and silent auction with raffles, spirits and hors d'oeuvres. It is $30.00 in advance or $35.00 at the door. This is less than an hour from Broad Ripple and is next door to the new Casino, so it could be a full evening if you take it all in. This rescue group has fosters in many states including Indiana. They are raising money for their veterinary care. Go to their web site for more information and to see some of the wonderful dogs needing homes. I have a Weimaraner granddog. Pets make you smile!