D-Day Commemoration

June 6 marked the 68th anniversary of D-Day in Europe, when the Allied invasion of Normany was launched, paving the way for the liberation of France and eventually the defeat of Germany. In Second Life, there was a commemorative event held by both the Flying Tigers and New Bastogne's German groups at the WW2 Battlefield sim, two sims north of the Flying Tiger airbase in WW2 Tribute. Several German players took up defensive positions on the ground while some of the Luftwaffe flew up in fighters. The Flying Tigers attacked in British and American planes.

 Two German players on the hill while their tank rolls onto the beach.

 An Allied cannon presumably set up by the attackers, but the soldiers are nowhere to be seen.

 The Tiger tank advances through barbed wire.

 One of the Allied landing craft lies empty, the soldiers somewhere on the beach.

 Besides barbed wire and machine gun fire, the Allied soldiers faced mines.

 Planes dueling in the skies, a German Me109 versus a British Spitfire and an American Thunderbolt.

A close-up look at the Thunderbolt.

The Me109 manages to get on the Thunderbolt's tail.

When the commemorative battle is over, the German soldiers get together, Heer (army), Luftwaffe paratroopers, and Waffen-SS.

 The pilots, both Luftwaffe and Flying Tigers, met at the latter's airbase. On the right is Captain Umaga, who planned the event.

 Some pilots, Luftwaffe and Allied, had more than just airplane tails.

Following the event, Captain Umaga thanked the soldiers and pilots for talking part, "Honored Officer colleagues, Soldiers of Any Armed force. Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen.

"We are gathered here to commemorate those who fell on this Day, June 6th. ... Speeches have been written over this event since after VE-Day (VJ-Day). And they all claim that the Generation that went out to fight in WW2, was the best Generation EVER.

 

"I most and sincerely disagree with that statement that during all armed conflicts stretching from the past way into the future. I will make this statement: THOSE who raised arms to fend for their Country and Loved ones: Those who shared a dream of a righteous world, Those who was tricked into armed combat by Sly Politicians, Mind Smothering Religious leaders. What  matters is not wheather they Won or Lost. They gave the most valuable thing: their LIFE. And to those that survived, I see you as witnesses to Man's Madness when it becomes unleashed.

 

"So to all Veterans, Civilians from ANY theater of armed conflict. You fought for what you believed in. You protected your Country and Family.

 

"So Stand Tall, since I claim you all the BEST of YOUR GENERATION!!

"So To Honor those who fought on this day June 6th 1944. I Request for a Minute of Silence"

Following the battle, German GeneralMajor Vickster Khun posted the following, "I'm extremely proud of all members who participated in today's D-Day event in the Flying Tigers area. Our leaders did a great job with no notice or prep-time, and our soldiers of the SS, Heer, and Luftwaffe demonstrated the power of our command. Flying Tigers Command sends their thanks as well!"

For more pictures, check both the article on the Flying Tigers website (here), and Alois Setzer's WW2 Roleplay in Second Life (here).

Bixyl Shuftan

Prayer at Saint Quentin Basilica

With the recent changes in the New Bastogne WW2 RP area, among the new sims is Saint Quentin. It was decided to build a cathedral here, one that from the outside looked well built. On April 3rd, a nondenominational service was to he held, open to all who wanted to attend. The only thing that was asked was that people wear clothes appropriate for the era. The service was to be held by Father Kravyn.

Entering the cathedral at Noon Sunday, it was very well detailed inside as well as out, a table full of red candles not far from the pews, a spiral staircase leading upstairs, and more. Father Kravyn stood motionless at the altar as people came in from both teams, those from the German side as well as the majority of the Allied wearing civilian clothes. People greeted one another, Allied commander AngusGraham Ceawlin saying, “It is good to see everyone, and it is good to take pause and reflect.” He thanked Deusen Marx for building the basilica, whom answered, “It is always humbling to make something like this.”

For whatever reason, the preacher remained AFK, whatever emergency that kept him away never made clear. Angus then decided someone needed to speak in his place, “I am not a preacher, but as you all are here, I shall ... attempt to deliver something of hopeful value.”

“We are here to to pause and reflect and give thanks to the Maker of all. Our maker goes by many names, depending on our individual belief systems. We give thanks to him in how we perform our lives, in our dealing with people, and the use of our gifts. Deusen’s work here on the church is an example of such gifts. We must always use our gifts to the best use possible, whether as a creator of beauty, or as an employer, a mediator, and so on. This is how we give thanks. This is how we honor the Creator. When we are fair in our dealings with others we are honoring Him.”

“I ask that we all take a moment to give thanks. Bow your heads with me. (pause) Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunities you give us each day to honor You. And thank You for the gifts you have given each one of us. Help us to remember to be upright in all that we do. It is in Your name we pray, Amen.”

After several “amens” from the parishioners, Angus apologized for not being able to offer more, only asking that everyone “go out and be a hero to someone ... thank you all for coming. This shall hopefully be a regular occurrence, held on schedule.”

Deusen then asked everyone to join her in a prayer, “Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done. On Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

After several more “amens,” Angus wished everyone well, “Thank you all for coming.” And then the group went their separate ways, some presumably to battle, others to matters outside the sim.

The basilica is next scheduled to hold service is at April 10, 12 Noon SL time.

Bixyl Shuftan