Lloyd C. Honoré

THEY ALSO LANDED ON D-DAY

Some sixty years ago
when the men
of the 320th Anti-aircraft
Barrage Balloon Battalion
came ashore on
the beach at St. Lo
with their balloons in tow,
were you there?

When those men, some white
but most of African descent,
refused to falter or relent
as they and the Army Rangers
faced the impending dangers,
were you there?

Though sad to relate,
those (German) soldiers’ bullets
did not discriminate.
Since no matter
who was wounded or killed;
and no matter
whose blood was spilled;
all blood ran red
from whomsoever it was shed.
Because many black bodies
and white bodies lay
amongst the dead
on that very eventful day!
Were you there?

Yes! I believe I was there
(collectively speaking)
in, permit me to say,
a somewhat spiritual way.
I was there just as
I have been everywhere
this country’s battles
have been fought.
Though at times,
many of us became overwrought
when we had to plead
to be allowed to fight;
when we had to make
this country concede
to our God-given rights!

So in response to this question
that’s too often asked of me,
may I offer this suggestion:
Open your eyes;
open your minds;
then you’ll plainly see
that I could have been there
(collectively speaking)
in a very spiritual way
with those black men
who came ashore
on the beach at St. Lo
with their balloons in tow
on that very eventful day.

When they also landed on D-Day!!

Author’s Note: In remembrance of the men of the 320th anti-aircraft barrage balloon battalion on the 60th Anniversary of D-Day – June 6, 1944 – June 6, 2004.