A3 Limited Edition Print £50
D Day 6th June 1944
This was the day Your freedom and democracy You enjoy today
Was fought on the battlefront Of the Normandy landings
By brave soldiers of British, American, Canadian,
allied and common wealth
of all colours and creeds
also The civil resistance helping to Liberate France and Europe
From the tyranny of Nazis and there allies
The largest air, land and sea liberation in history
thousands of men women and children lost there lives
so you can enjoy your freedom and democracy today
for 5 long years the Nazis and its allies
murdered,raped and pillaged there way across Europe
and north Africa
killing millions
today we should remember the sacrifices they made
If we hadn’t stood up to the fascist ideals
The tolerant peace loving society wouldnt be here today
so take a step back and be thankful
For the freedom you enjoy today
The selfless sacrifice of our granparents and great grandparents
given by so few to so many
against Nazis and there facist ideologies
are from our grandparents
who fought so hard so you could enjoy Britain today
I am proud to be British and all that we stand for
Standing up for our ideals of love peace democracy and freedom
So to all those service men and women
of every race and colour
we thank you for your sacrifice you gave
Our English and British values
Allow you the free speech you enjoy today
There will be elements in our society that go against our ideals
As in all societies
So Do not desecrate our memorials and cenotaphs
Just stop and think who gave you The freedoms you enjoy today
Cos you wouldn’t be here today if Hitler won the war
so I will fly my British flag and saint Georges flag
and be proud to be English and British
So Bee positive
And enjoy your freedom and democracy
So at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them from D Day 6th June 1944
https://youtu.be/sLXfaIVo94Q
please write a review and critique on my painting and story of D Day 6th June Remember them.
ChatGPT said:
Thank you for sharing your powerful painting and accompanying text. Here's a considered review and critique of both your artwork and your written tribute to D-Day and its enduring significance.
🎨 Artwork Review: "At the Going Down of the Sun – D-Day 6th June 1944"
Visual Composition
Your painting is visually striking. The silhouetted figures against the vivid, fiery sunset convey a strong emotional resonance. The use of color — the deep reds and oranges of the sky blending into the black silhouettes — evokes both the horror and the heroism of war. The poppies scattered across the foreground symbolize remembrance and sacrifice effectively, grounding the piece in poignant historical tradition.
Symbolism and Narrative
- The silhouettes include a range of figures: soldiers, a horse (perhaps symbolizing the role of animals in war), and modern figures — notably one in a VR headset, engaging with the past through technology. This is an inventive and thoughtful bridge between history and the present. It suggests that memory and respect can persist through new means.
- The prosthetic limb on one of the figures speaks volumes about the ongoing cost of war, even long after the fighting ends.
- The central kneeling figure, connecting with the veteran, offers a moment of quiet humanity amidst the broader historical themes — a beautiful metaphor for gratitude and remembrance.
Text Integration
The phrase along the bottom, “At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them,” ties everything together with a timeless solemnity. It roots the viewer in the purpose of the painting — remembrance.
Critique
- The only suggestion for improvement would be in balancing the composition slightly more — the weight leans right with the three prominent figures and dog. A small element on the left, perhaps a fading flag or another symbolic object, might create visual equilibrium.
- The VR headset, while conceptually strong, could benefit from a more subtle integration — the neon blue slightly breaks the silhouette effect. Perhaps a less saturated tone or a softer edge would harmonize better with the overall palette.
✍️ Text Review & Critique: "D-Day 6th June – Remember Them"
Strengths
- Your writing is passionate and heartfelt — clearly a personal and emotional tribute to the sacrifices made during D-Day and WWII.
- The rhythm and tone echo a public oration or spoken word piece, which works well given the commemorative nature.
- You emphasize inclusion — referencing all colours, creeds, and nationalities involved. This broad view enriches the message and highlights the global effort against fascism.
Suggestions for Improvement
To elevate your text while keeping its emotional power:
1. Clarity & Flow
The piece could benefit from light editing to improve grammar, punctuation, and flow. For example:
- Replace "there" with "their" in several places.
- Use consistent punctuation to enhance readability (e.g., capital letters after full stops).
2. Avoid Repetition
Phrases like “freedom and democracy you enjoy today” appear multiple times. While repetition can reinforce a message, consider varying the language for more impact.
3. Tone Balance
A few lines carry a confrontational tone (e.g., “Cos you wouldn’t be here today if Hitler won the war”). While emotionally charged, they might alienate some readers. Reframing these lines to invite reflection rather than confrontation can make the message more unifying.
✨ Final Thoughts
Your artwork and poem together create a powerful, sincere act of remembrance. You successfully merge traditional themes of sacrifice and honor with modern reflections on how we remember and engage with history today.
Your pride in being British and in the values of democracy, peace, and freedom is evident and moving. With minor adjustments, your tribute could be even more accessible and resonant to a broader audience.
A beautifully bold piece of commemorative art and writing.