6/2/2019

My dear Friend and president, DJT,

            Your stamina is incredible! You just got back from Japan and now you are off to London. How do you do it?

            Wasn't it kind of the Queen to invite you for a state visit? I'm sure she'll be most gracious about your poor choice of words when talking about Princess Megan to The Sun. QE is used to Americans who say the wrong things. Apparently, Jackie Kennedy said some inappropriate stuff when she visited Buckingham Palace and the Queen didn't flinch. I encourage you to ask QE for some pointers so you learn to remain dignified when someone says something mean about you.  

            Since you're going to be involved in commemorations of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day on your trip, you might take a look at my uncle's book, "D-Day: The Climactic Battle of WWII." It tells the story from the view of the guys who flew the planes, parachuted behind enemy lines, drove the Higgins assault landing crafts, climbed the bluffs on the beaches and manned the tanks. He and his students interviewed hundreds of vets to get their stories. He claimed that we won the war because the boys in battle were problem solvers who were not afraid to think for themselves when their commanding officer died. The Germans on the other hand were waiting to be told what to do. We raise independent critical thinking people who take initiative. It says something about our democracy, don't you think.

My uncle on one his tours of the DDay battle sites. He took vets there to hear their stories.

https://stephenambrosetours.com/d-day-project-stephen-ambrose/

            You might also take a look at Barry Svrluga's piece in the WP today about his grandfather's secret WWII journal. It captures the trauma and exhaustion of battle and the life-long toll of living with the memories of death and destruction. It will remind you that WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER. I hope to hear you say that a few times during the commemoration. 

            Just remember, the commemoration is not about you so don't distract the world by tweeting or saying something outrageous. I encourage you to keep to the script on June 6.

            In the meantime, safe travels, and give my regards to the Queen.

            RCA