Manchester City Library

With the invention of the camera along came the possibility and responsibility for photographers to witness and document war and the experiences of soldiers through the lens of the camera. Photos of events during wartime were very important to keep the public informed of happenings on the front.

“On June 6, 1944, exactly 75 years ago, in perhaps the most seminal battle of World War II, the U.S., together with Britain and Canada, executed Operation Overlord, better known to us as D-Day, in which they, alongside other countries, invaded the coasts of Normandy, carrying out the largest seaborne invasion in history against Nazi-Germany.” One of the men who was there on those beaches was my Uncle Albert.

So it was that last year as I was preparing my list of subjects for display for the Art Room I thought and thought of what I could do that would be respectful and also serve as an offering of gratitude and pride.

Up on the second floor of the library near the Art Room for the month of June is a display of library materials dedicated to war photography. It is a small display to honor all of our soldiers and the men and women who bravely went in with them and took photos of combat and all other aspects of war.

Do you have any photos of your loved ones from D-Day or any other wartime photo that documents your family’s history? Bring them in to share – we’d love to see them and hear the stories of those photos.

The library staff are grateful for the honor, bravery, and sacrifices made on those distant beaches and at other places around the world where our troops have fought to protect the interests of the Unites States.

Thank you, brave ones, for your service.

See you at the library. ~Yvonne~