OMAHA BEACH

Fourteen chiefs of state are throned within
The grandstand set aside for V. I. P.s
At Omaha Beach. They look across to the D-day
Monument. Thousands of veterans and/or kin

Are here to remember. Fourteen flags fly
Proudly from fourteen poles. Battalion banners
Salute and receive salutes. From across the channel
Ships and planes parade. The crowded sky

Streams a tricolor vaporous bunting.
The bands march and resound. At length the grandees rise,
Descend to the plaza below, and we recognize
Kings and queens, prime ministers, presidents.

They stroll to the speaker’s pavilion, testaments
To peace and hope and the bloody sacraments.

(157, July 27, 1994)

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Comments

This was the 50th anniversary of the D-day invasion. My Dad was an executive officer on a LST (Landing Ship Tanks] #133. That is second in command to the captain.

On the 70th D-day anniversary in June 2014, Dad was the USA armed services representative. He enjoyed recounting shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth II of England. He told me that he briefly considered leaving his wheelchair and kneeling but was decided he might not be able to rise. He said she had a warm smile.

Before the official ceremony, Dad and other veterans met with USA President Obama. The youngest sibling Graham (Chip) Alvord was instrumental in making that all happen.

[John Alvord 1-5-2026]