What memories must lay in the minds of our cherished elders? A lifetime together came to a close in February, 2009 when George Names died.  His passing kindled recollections by his family and friends of the gentle man who kept his wartime memories tucked away unless he was pressed.  David Chapman did press him gently and found that Mr. Names had seen a lot during his time in France.  Visit the George R. Names Veterans Memorial page to learn more.

Pointe-du-Hoc: an iconic locale on the Normandy Coast of France.  On June 6, 1944, U.S. Army Rangers scaled the cliffs here to eliminate German artillary positions that were supposed to have a commanding view of the American landing beaches.  Their losses were tragically high, especially considering that many of the guns had been withdrawn to the cover of trees further behind the steep bluffs above the English Channel.
Why does this place warrant mention on the homepage of this site?  Because this place represents the courage and sacrifice of the Allied troops who undertook the invasion of Western Europe in an effort to dislodge Hitler's war machine from the so-called Atlantic Wall.  That is the spirit that inspires David Chapman, the founder and curator of the George R. Names Veterans Memorial Library and Museum.  Mr. Chapman's passion is educating students about the generation of Americans and their allies who fought in the Second World War.  As the collection builds and the word spreads, www.davidchapman.org will provide an expanded online presence, and eventually a bricks-and-mortor location, for the memorial.