June 6, 2013: D-Day

Early in the morning on June 6, 1944, Allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy. D-Day begins and traditionally it has been noted that “Mickey Mouse” was used as a password by the invading forces. D-Day was an immense, overwhelming amphibian invasion the likes of which the world has never seen. This may have been the greatest single day of action by the greatest generation of Americans and our allies. I often cite the flag retreat at The Magic Kingdom as a fitting tribute for events involving veterans and there is no greater day than today to take in the retreat.

Today is Drive-in Movie Day. The first drive-in movie opened in Camden, New Jersey on this date in 1933. I miss drive-in movies. We had close to a dozen in the Tri-state area at one time. Today we have none. The drive-in was a cheap date, a cheap night out and a social experience wholly different from the cinema experience. Shortly after my wife and I were married we went to the Corral Drive-in in Flatwoods, Kentucky. It was her first time at a drive-in and I can only remember one other time that we went to a drive-in at the East in Huntington, West Virginia. VHS video movies killed the drive-ins, it was an even cheaper date and you could socialize all you wanted in the privacy of your own living room. You can get a little bit of the drive-in experience at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Quickies:

1816: 10” of snow falls in New England on this date. This was the year without a summer due to the explosion of Krakatoa. The explosion was the loudest sound ever heard on planet Earth and could be heard 3,000 miles away. Visit the Polynesian and remember Krakatoa in a slightly warmer environment.

1755: The great patriot, Nathan Hale, was born. His famous quote, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” Visit Liberty Square and enjoy the atmosphere of our early history.

1960: Steve Vai, guitarist, was born. Steve played with Frank Zappa but I never had the chance to see him with Frank. I did see Steve with David Lee Roth in Huntington, West Virginia. Steve is a great player. Rock out at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios where there are several opportunities to enjoy live music.

Remember, your best excuse is always: waiting for your dreams to come true.