Pastor Tracy Reads | The Dead and Those About To Die by John C. McManus

February 23, 2026 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

I have always been interested in World War 2. Both of my grandads fought in World War 2. The popular opinion is that dads like me are always interested in World War 2 because we missed the war and now, we can only participate in it through reading. That is a little harsh.

This book is about the landings on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as the allies attempted to invade Europe as the beginning push to win the war against Germany. The invasion was the key to the Allies’ attempt to win the war. And the first 24-48 hours were crucial in determining the course of the battle.

Throughout the book there are individual vignettes of heroism and courage that I find uplifting. Colonel George Taylor is credited with saying this on Omaha Beach, as the troops are getting bogged down on the beach, “There are two kinds of people on this beach, the dead and those who are going to die.” His exhortation to his men was to get off the beach as fast as possible.

It is possible that I keep reading World War 2 history because my generation did not go to war. But it is certainly true that I need to remind myself of how hard life was back in 1944 and how a group of young soldiers made ultimate sacrifices so that we can enjoy some semblance of freedom today. And that motivates me to live life a little more robustly and  courageously.

Pastor Tracy Troxel