The fighters are the Allied troops on D-day, June 6, 1944. This cartoon is in their honor.
Michael M Lacey
FDR is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the United States President on D-Day.
Michael M Lacey
I hope the two previous replies were helpful in understanding this cartoon. The important thing to note is the June 6, 1944 date echoing today’s date of June 6… This cartoon is in honor of that date not the usual attempt at comedy. There are numerous books detailing the history of that date as well as several movies about it.
Michael M Lacey
Further references to the events of June 6, 1944. The tree in the rock alludes to German pillboxes defending the Normandy Coast. The beach side cliff alludes to Pointe Du Hoc where U.S. Rangers scaled the cliffs while under fire. The coiled ivy refers to the coils of barbwire guarding the beach. The interlocked tree trunks are referencing the German anti-tank defenses. More of these were also in the water just off shore to defer boats. There is a lot of thought that has gone into this strip. Very well done. The beginning of the strip starts at dawn referencing what was known as ‘The Longest Day” in the movie.
Angus
Thank You!
Peggy
Very nice tribute!
Michael M Lacey
This strip is to honor the soldiers who fought on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Panel 4 represents the German pillboxes guarding the beaches of Normandy, France. Panel 5 represents the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc where American Rangers scaled the cliff while under fire. Panel 6 represents the coiled barbwire along the beach front. Panel 7 is showing German anti-tank defenses along the beach and in the water although the actual German defenses were steel, not wood. Wood is shown as there was no steel in Medieval times the strip is set in. Panel 7 is a quote by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the President on D-Day. Panel one is starting at sunrise either because the attack started at sunrise or in reference to this being “The Longest Day” as titled in the movie of that name about D-Day. Panel two shows small marks on the water, a possible reference to the allied ships bringing soldiers to the beach or just representing waves on the water at the battlefront on the beaches. Obviously Hart put a great deal of thought and effort into this strip. This strip is one of his best, if not the best.
wizofidPost author
Thank you! Hart’s grandson Mick Mastroianni, who writes the strip, says, “You nailed every reference, Sir.” Older brother (Hart’s oldest grandson) Mason draws it.
Michael M Lacey
Thank you for remembering and honoring those who were there. I have ordered three signed copies for myself, friends and relatives. Was there significance to panels two, three, and eight that I missed ? What was the correct significance to panel one ? The Longest Day or the start of the attack? Realizing of course that the paratroopers went in about midnight the night of June 6 . Again thank you for this fine work of art .
Who are the fighters?
The fighters are the Allied troops on D-day, June 6, 1944. This cartoon is in their honor.
FDR is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the United States President on D-Day.
I hope the two previous replies were helpful in understanding this cartoon. The important thing to note is the June 6, 1944 date echoing today’s date of June 6… This cartoon is in honor of that date not the usual attempt at comedy. There are numerous books detailing the history of that date as well as several movies about it.
Further references to the events of June 6, 1944. The tree in the rock alludes to German pillboxes defending the Normandy Coast. The beach side cliff alludes to Pointe Du Hoc where U.S. Rangers scaled the cliffs while under fire. The coiled ivy refers to the coils of barbwire guarding the beach. The interlocked tree trunks are referencing the German anti-tank defenses. More of these were also in the water just off shore to defer boats. There is a lot of thought that has gone into this strip. Very well done. The beginning of the strip starts at dawn referencing what was known as ‘The Longest Day” in the movie.
Thank You!
Very nice tribute!
This strip is to honor the soldiers who fought on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Panel 4 represents the German pillboxes guarding the beaches of Normandy, France. Panel 5 represents the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc where American Rangers scaled the cliff while under fire. Panel 6 represents the coiled barbwire along the beach front. Panel 7 is showing German anti-tank defenses along the beach and in the water although the actual German defenses were steel, not wood. Wood is shown as there was no steel in Medieval times the strip is set in. Panel 7 is a quote by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the President on D-Day. Panel one is starting at sunrise either because the attack started at sunrise or in reference to this being “The Longest Day” as titled in the movie of that name about D-Day. Panel two shows small marks on the water, a possible reference to the allied ships bringing soldiers to the beach or just representing waves on the water at the battlefront on the beaches. Obviously Hart put a great deal of thought and effort into this strip. This strip is one of his best, if not the best.
Thank you! Hart’s grandson Mick Mastroianni, who writes the strip, says, “You nailed every reference, Sir.” Older brother (Hart’s oldest grandson) Mason draws it.
Thank you for remembering and honoring those who were there. I have ordered three signed copies for myself, friends and relatives. Was there significance to panels two, three, and eight that I missed ? What was the correct significance to panel one ? The Longest Day or the start of the attack? Realizing of course that the paratroopers went in about midnight the night of June 6 . Again thank you for this fine work of art .
Thanks for remembering.
You’re welcome!
<3