When Has A Little Girl’s Kiss Ever Represented So Much Appreciation?

The above photograph was taken on February 14, 1945. I discovered it on Facebook and reposted it. The accompanying text declared

This photo, taken on February 14, 1945, near Aboncourt, France, shows Sergeant Elvin Harley (Kalamazoo, Michigan) being kissed by a little French girl. This proud member of the 3rd Armored Division survived the rest of the war and returned to Michigan.

A Thank-You Kiss

Tec. 4 Elvin Harley of Kalamazoo, Michigan, of the 3rd Armored Division, gets a peck on the cheek from a little French girl while listening to the 9th Armored Division Band near Aboncourt in northeastern France near the Belgium border on February 14, 1945. Fighting in France was over at that point and the Battle of the Bulge had ended several weeks earlier, but the Rhine River and most of Germany lay ahead.

On this, the 77th anniversary of D-Day, we need to recall with awe and gratitude the massive effort the Allies undertook to liberate France from Nazi tyranny on June 6, 1944, eight months before the above image was captured on film. This little girl’s kiss wasn’t just for Sergeant Harley, but for all the allies who fought so hard, risked so much, and lost so much to liberate France and other European nations.
US assault troops in an LCVP (landing craft, vehicle, personnel) landing craft approach Omaha Beach, 6 June 1944

Let’s not just remember the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought and/or died on D-Day; let’s redouble our own efforts to preserve the liberty they gave so much to protect.

May we repent of our sins so that God will forgive us and bring us together, united under a renewed respect for Him and His law, and deeply appreciative of His infinite grace!

Go here to hear and see some amazing snapshots and clips from and about the events of June 6, 1944!

You’ll also be able to watch President Ronald Reagan’s speech commemorating the 40th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, presented on June 6, 1984. Additional sights and sounds from 77 years ago also are available on the same page.