D-Day and Doughnuts

What do D-Day and National Doughnut Day have in common?  Actually, more than you might think.  They both go fairly unrecognized unless a person has some connection with the military or a doughnut shop, and they both share a history with World War II.

On my way to pick up a friend for school this morning, the radio host announced that today is National Doughnut Day.

“That’s reason enough for me to get some doughnuts!” I thought.  But until I saw a poem posted by my friend, Randell, I had completely forgotten today is also the anniversary of D-Day, the landing of our Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II.  It is considered a turning point as the Allies began to gain a foothold which contributed to its victory.  So many sacrificed lives and limbs on that day.  We should never forget.

Where do the doughnuts come in?  Well, apparently, National Doughnut Day was founded upon a tradition of giving doughnuts to soldiers during World War I, and was carried on by the Red Cross during World War II.  It is sad that like so many holidays, the real reason for the day has been forgotten, and it has become a day in which bakeries give away free donuts with the purchase of a beverage.  I am thankful for reasons to celebrate and eat scrumptious sweets, but I am also thankful for the sacrifices made by so many of our military and their families that afford us such luxuries and contribute to the sweetness of freedom in our lives.  Let us eat our doughnuts and never forget.