Veteran describes living through D-Day

On June 6, 1944, Onofrio Zicari was one of the soldiers who arrived in chest-high water on Omaha Beach. He describes what it was like to live through D-Day, 80 years ago.
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[@SirMevan]

For 101 years old this man is INCREDIBLY coherent. Lord Bless all those men who perished that morning on the beaches.

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

Amen😢

[@eclipse-sh1qmZ3mOtcua]

And those who parachuted inland or came inland in gliders from England.

[@Anniebee3300]

Listen to this man. The world has not learned its lesson. Educate yourself, read history and biographies and know what’s happening

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

Truth

[@dianaskarbek2664]

DITTO!!!!

[@mikloridden8276]

I wish, sadly this will be forgotten and repeated.

[@eclipse-sh1qmZ3mOtcua]

My Uncle was killed on D-day. He was a paratrooper and parachuted in and was killed. We have never forgotten him.

[@Countryfresh223]

Im sorry for your family's loss. Do you know which unit he was with?

[@briangleason5597]

Thank You. I Appreciate his Sacrifice. Amen.

[@michaels8878]

my family thanks your uncle for his heroism.

[@runderwood05]

"I can't predict the future, but I won't be here." Powerful words

[@danielsdimension2003]

Those men are heroes. Everyone must remember this day.

[@barryfriedman7493]

And every day we must remember everyone of them

[@southend26]

1:40 As a man who fought for us, listen to what he wants you to know. He's earned your attention and respect.

[@hristopopov7345]

This man is 101, remarkable..

[@richards.7770]

“ What war brings….nothing but misery, nothing but misery.”

[@noaheverett103]

We owe the Greatest generation because they literally saved the world.

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

Listening to these vets -- my maternal grandfather's generation -- brings tears to my eyes.

[@GingerJar]

same. my grandfathers on both sides in the Death March. Yet we never heard them complain about things post-war or discuss the horrors...It must have felt bad seeing their kids taking potable water & liberties for granted🫡 to these veterans

[@HistoryfortheAges]

Now more than ever people need to learn about WWII. So many of my college students know so little. I have all my lectures on WWII available for anyone to watch for free, including one on D-Day. Happy to share. The generation of WWII is nearly gone. They saved humanity.

[@dianavalenti1464]

You know what happens while you fail to teach history.

[@chriswhite3332]

Please consider inviting an old military combat veteran for a classroom lecture for your students who are ignorant about TRUE war experiences. I believe silence would prevail within your classroom as they heard another perspective outside of a book, written by people who were never there. Unless, of course, your guest lecturer "wouldn't qualify." Thank you.

[@HistoryfortheAges]

@@chriswhite3332 I agree, sadly it is harder and harder to find WWII vets today. I have met several, and have a video I made about one man named Sam Sachs. His story is amazing.

[@BufordDuckworth]

Then why are there still Nazis?

[@chriswhite3332]

​@HistoryfortheAges There are still some Korean war vets around and plenty of Vietnam vets, etc. Just a combat veteran in general could help bring perspective and a better understanding of sacrifice, pain, selflessness (that's a biggie!) and a cause greater than our own selfish ambitions. You're correct. Young students today have absolutely no idea of thier own country's heritage and what it took to survive, etc. Thank you for caring about giving them the truth. I too was a history major......

[@williammorahan4907]

I’m glad that people are still talking about the past. We must learn from our history in order to have a better future.

[@bighand1530]

Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

[@brycebonilla4288]

World peace starts with neighborhood peace. Neighborhood peace starts with peace inside your home. Until your home becomes a place of peace the world will stay a place of violence.

[@JeremiahRichardson-i8m]

A quote from the lion king “the past can hurt but the way I see you can either run from it or learn from it”.

[@zackadamec9332]

The fact that he was already 21 years old on D day but is still sharp as a tack and looking great today is crazy. We owe these men everything, and the ones we're still fortunate enough to have around will end up going out having to watch the country that they fought for, get ran into the ground.

[@acefenton3967]

"Do you feel like the world has learn it's lesson?" "No way." After all that he and everyone went through eighty years ago, that response was probably the worst part to hear. He understandably didn't even need single second to think about that question. Just straight to the point. With them talking about "The work of memory", I feel ashamed that I only now remembered what day it was today. We all definitely owe it to these people. Other than remembering this, I don't know what I could do about this, cause the last thing we need is to have all of this be in vain. All I could think of now is to wish you all the very best. All the sudden, I now feel like giving someone a hug.

[@ChadSimplicio]

If this was a time for younger generations to learn something very important from our elders, this is the time, especially from the dwindling group of WW2 & D-Day veterans that can still tell their stories.

[@georgegreen-b3i]

i salute all the heroes on June 6 1944 Bless them all

[@OGFrylock]

They gave it their all so their great grand children could transition and be taught CRT😂

[@user-cv2nr9jy4z]

Thank you to all the Vet's (including my father who served as a Colonel in Vietnam) and their families who served our Country. Bottomless appreciation and respect.

[@ekop1778]

MY LATE DAD PASSED N 2019 WAS IN AIRFORCE 1961-1967 2 OF HIS COUSINS WERE IN VIETNAM WAR THEY WERE JUST 19 1 WAS PRIVATE THE OTHER WAS SGT. THEYRE HERE TODAY

[@ackee8899]

Thanks to all the heroes! Alive or dead it doesn't matter today June 6... From a Swede who celebrates both the national day of Sweden and of course thinks of D-Day! Will never be forgotten

[@DanSPsych67]

Heros!! One And All!!! My Dad Was There, He Never Talked About!! When We Returned In The Summer Of 65.. Was The Only Time I Saw Him Cry!!!

[@edwinpadilla856]

I wanted to hear more from the vets, they have lots to teach before they go.

[@nelsonlanglois9104]

They need to get the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans stories... We're in our 70s , 80s n 90s now too

[@sandrahunter5904]

​@@nelsonlanglois9104: Yes.

[@edwinpadilla856]

@@nelsonlanglois9104 absolutely!

[@mtadams2009]

He spoke like my father who was wounded twice in WW2. He never romanticized war and hated war. He always said you better have no options before you go to war, it’s brutal and there are no heroes just people trying to make it through the day.

[@JamesSeale2575]

God bless those men❤

[@ilhuicatlamatini]

I’m so glad these veterans stories are being recorded. Mr Zicari is an amazing speaker, appreciate hearing from him about his historical experiences. Edit: Thank you for sharing Mr Zicari! Sending you love this D-day anniversary

[@Casperthefriendlyghost82]

Absolutely 💯

[@chriswhite3332]

Considering today's academic stipulations and certifications, Mr. Zicari "wouldn't qualify" to give a lecture to students who attend our vaunted universities of such particular pedigree. I mean, really! How would he actually know what he's talking about? He's not a highly educated man!!

[@highc6866]

101 must be the new 80! What a life.

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

It's remarkable and extraordinary to listen to these veterans' experiences with vividness and honesty. They have experienced and witnessed things that we don't ever see or experience. They have my utmost respect and my thanks for their service. Let all generations remember these men and their stories.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Thank you sir for my families freedom.

[@lfrost6718]

Well said Mr. Onofrio Zicari "War brings nothing but misery." One thing my father told me when I asked him how he survived he said because "We were all in it together." God bless you for then and now.

[@robsniffen7597]

Thank you for saying that! Our history must be taught and remembered.

[@BufordDuckworth]

If that was true then why are Nazis still around? We've learned absolutely nothing from WWII.

[@mowglieneil]

Thank you America for your support in this event in History,and long shall it last,with thanks and gratitude from the UK.God bless them all.

[@mimim8532]

Thank you from America- and fighting with us.

[@catherinealexander6705]

Thanks for appreciating us. We are brothers in arms....be safe

[@deannamuffley]

He’s 101???? Omg. He’s incredible. Such a hero!! ❤

[@Jimirulz1]

God bless all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

[@jacquelinebouvier3920]

What a brave young man at the time, and veteran. God bless this veteran, who could still articulate what he experienced-how sad this type of threat is still not gone.

[@joselenes3523]

Thank you for your patriotism, courage and service.

[@BatALash]

My great-uncle, William Marfleet, was on a plane headed to Normandy in the early morning hours of D-Day. Turbulence caused the plane to crash into a channel, killing everyone on board. He was only 24 years old. My grandma (his younger sister) was 15 when he died and always felt immense sorrow for his passing. When she was in hospice, she talked about how she wanted to see her birth family again. “I want to see Billy”. She never stopped missing him. She passed in May 2020 at age 92. I wish I could’ve known him, but I’m forever thankful he was documented so I could learn about the little that’s still known about his short life. May these brave men never be forgotten.

[@eclipse-sh1qmZ3mOtcua]

Yes, may we always remember those we lost; they gave EVERYTHING so that we could enjoy our lives.

[@iasunfloweriasunflower6703]

All these people calling for Civil War listen to this man...

If there was a civil war in Germany, we would never have WW2

[@eksbocks9438]

They won't, unfortunately. They'll keep calling for war and colonialism.

[@bobbobby-o2w]

@@eksbocks9438 Snap out of it, go outside and get some fresh air.

[@derpeth2101]

@@bobbobby-o2w what part of their comment do you object to?

[@HDYaqui]

God Please him and all of our Veterans! 💕🇺🇸💕🥺

[@lylee97192]

There are no words to describe my profound gratitude to this man and his fellow soldiers who served our country on D-Day. You changed the course of that terrible war. God bless, sir.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

This is a beautiful man. 🙏

[@ScottStathis]

My Grandfather was on an LST (Landing Ship Tank) delivering ammunition to the beaches during D-Day. I visited his and my Grandmother's grave today. Because, I wanted to say, "Thank You." The world more than it will ever know or can repay to the sacrifices of their generation.

[@elliottmayer-yeager8087]

God bless this man for his service. ❤ and all who perished today and who made it through.

[@eksbocks9438]

A great service to our country and to world peace. I wish him well. Wherever he may go.

[@Rocanala]

God bless this man. Seeing that much death isn’t natural.

[@timmysullivan2515]

The Greatest Generation. Thank you.

[@user-ok1eo8jj9n]

Un grand merci à ces héros !!!

[@JohnSmith-po2eh]

My great uncle was a paratrooper on that day. Broke his back and was in a wheelchair the rest of his very active and fulfilling life. They were the greatest generation

[@eclipse-sh1qmZ3mOtcua]

Paratroopers certainly had a high casualty rate. My uncle parachuted in and was killed 6 June 1944. If I remember correctly about 60% of his battalion were killed. And your great uncle certainly had life-changing permanent physical damage. Most people have no idea of the sacrifices others have made so that we could enjoy living in a free democracy.

[@williamillmilable]

He is amazing. A real superhuman.

[@LL-bl8hd]

He has so much wisdom. Amazing how sharp he is at 100! A strong man in many ways.

[@davisneves]

my grandfather was there & said the same about war ✨🙏🏼✨

[@emmanuelsepulveda1835]

We are to not forget these brave men who fought for the free world. The greatest generation to ever have lived.

[@KYLOWW]

Learning from the wisest thank you for your service and may your future look very bright

[@JeremiahRichardson-i8m]

Thx you to all the soldiers who fought and gave their lives for us 🫡

[@sherriianiro747]

I can't believe CBS only gave Nono only a few minutes interview!

[@bobbobby-o2w]

Well, they only had so much time before they had to get back to Trump bashing.

[@tifKh]

This man is incredible, so grateful we still have him to tell his story.

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

I can't imagine. THANK YOU SIR. ♥️🤍💙🙏♥️🤍💙

[@AdRedOne]

So much owed, by so many, to so few.

[@SwiftestScout]

Respect.

[@ArmandyLaPearl]

Wise words from a veteran

[@jadetiger88888]

Thank you for your service

[@West_Coast_Mainline]

Brave man, god bless the greatest generation

[@dianaskarbek2664]

Thank you sir.

[@dorothymiracle4552]

Thank you for your service!! 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@joyj1219]

Thank you Sir, for your bravery. God bless.

[@bradcolby1]

My neighbor was a WWII vet,God Bless these warriors! 🇺🇸

[@Decommissioned-45]

what a great man

[@Aerospacer77]

Thank you for your service sir

[@simbabimba6219]

If you’ve seen those videos from the 1940’s or 50’s where 100 year old Civil War vets are interviewed and people comment how incredible it is to think we could talk to someone who was there… this is our version of that today. These WWII veterans have always existed in our lifetime but we’re losing them fast. Don’t take them for granted.

[@Wohlfy]

god bless him and the other soldiers

[@robtim6553]

This man and the others like him…I am so grateful! I like to think I have learn from the past. But as he points out…we don’t.

[@christopherrosado6053]

Thanks for your service

[@patriotrising6214]

To all ,who are part of the greatest generation. Who the world owes soo much...SALUTE AND THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AN SACRIFICE 🙏

He is the real thing ❤❤

[@tohopes]

look pretty good for 101.

[@MarkSmithhhh]

Must be an absolutely surreal thing to see that beach thru his eyes

[@NonStop337]

I can't predict the future, but I won't be here. His tone gave me chills

[@LeeAlanJohnson75]

Someone please listen to this man, please 🙏

[@LL-bl8hd]

Please release an extended interview with this veteran!

[@angelavenable7308]

I cannot believe he’s 101 and can tell the story so well.

[@pfclumi]

I want to hug that man. What a missed opportunity.😢

[@draheim90]

I’d never believe this man was in his hundreds. Hope he lives at least another 20 years!

[@ardmis48]

God bless you sir

[@johnsun3854]

WW2 was a horrible tragedy. Now brave Ukrainian heroes are preventing WW3. We shall never forget their sacrifice. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!

[@jmbmntis]

hell yeah brother 🇺🇦

[@user-qu7ts2cl6s]

My grandfather was a German general who notably oversaw the Atlantic Wall. I was in Normandy in June 2015, 2019 and 2024 as well as in Bastogne (Belgium) in December 2019 for the celebrations of these battles. I am always moved to see the veterans of the allied countries. I think this war could have ended sooner if intelligent German officers had shown more courage.

[@gaylaaustin7468]

Please-someone give the backstory-the years of preparation and practice from 1942 on and the allies cooperation and joint efforts

[@ekop1778]

CORP RICHARD KOPCA MY GRANDPA US ARMY BASE POST OFFICE TECH 5 UNIT PARIS PASSED 1991 FROM STORRS,CT NORMANDY BEACH SHOT IN LEG YOU AND GRANDMA ARE TOGETHER AGAIN LOVE YOUR GRANDSON EDDY

[@terryfolderson-is5qo]

my great grandpa was a combat medic at omaha....to the day he died he couldnt ever talk about it without balling his eyes out and, as an OEF vet myself, i completely understand. there's nothing in life like war that can show you how evil human beings can be to each other

[@reesemorgan545]

Some Real Men!!

[@jcg5571]

All that this man and his buddies fought for…hell beyond anything people today could imagine. And most today are willing to give it all away. Sad. Pray for God to open the eyes of the American people and draw them to Him.

[@willamestrada1121]

I want to mention my neighbor....WILLIAM EPLEY. Pacific theater. Ww2 veteran. Died in 2002 Tennessee. Thanks to him Im very interested in WW2.

[@johnjacobs1625]

Mom said Dad had Nightmares for Months!

[@redmondpeters6221]

I hope that my nephew and niece and so many other sons and daughters will NEVER have a pick up a weapon to fight this kind of war. EVER. Please no more war in Ukraine in the middle east in Asia and in Africa. And wherever else it may be. Please God. No more war.

[@lacuna6430]

enough generations and time has passed to where our society will forget the tragedies and grief of war. god forbid these foreign relations worsen and we send our brothers and sisters to go through anything our past troops have.

[@edmundgeswein]

For most people a beach is considered a place to relax and have fun. A place for laying out, dipping your feet, surfing, playing beach games and taking a relaxing stroll along the shore. But for the d day soldiers the beach was a place of extreme terror. It's unimaginable what kind of fear they must have had going in that day. They didn't know if they were going to live and end up in one piece after it was done. Yet they bravely went in and performed their duty. We are living in perhaps the final decade of WW2 survivors and it's interesting how many of them are still able to coherently tell what they went through. We must never forget and we should learn from the past to create a better future.

[@lalmuansangakhawlhring677]

RIP🙏

[@Thinkythinkerton]

The fight against dictatorship. God rest their souls, and I hope some of us have the same courage against would-be dictators and fascists. If isolationists had had their small minded way back then, we would all have been ruined.

[@jackcooper7748]

Such humility and wise words, man has never learned his lessons and probably never will. Greed, lust for power at the cost of others, just look at the world right now.

[@user-qm7uv5oh8z]

Smart great man 🙏

[@DeutschlandKanal]

Both of my Grandpa's where in the Wehrmacht. They were heroes!

[@robertmalone4161]

This man is amazing at the age of 101 years old.

[@vincently1995]

80 Years

[@BufordDuckworth]

And Nazis still exist.

[@mokus6686]

There will never be another generation like them , brave men and women facing the worst things you can imagine and they did it ! Gave the ultimate sacrifice. And for what. Today's generation? The youth of today don't deserve the sacrifice those brave men and women made .

[@bobbobby-o2w]

100% true. If most of today's generation had to go through 1 day of these heroes' lives, they'd need a lifetime of therapy and kisses and cuddles from their mommies.