June 5, 1944

Good afternoon.

Today I see on 'This Date in Manka History' that Joey Levitch was hurt while entertaining the troops the night before D-Day.  I've had the privilege of hearing this story first hand from Mr. Levitch (he kills me when I don't call him 'Joey' but this time 'Mr.' is appropriate).  He never fails to cry when telling this story.  And it's a cry that can only be understood by those who have seen war.

During a dance routine on June 5, 1944, he twisted his knee and had to be carried from the stage.  He was devasted that he wasn't able to participate in the first wave of the Normandy landing the next day.  In fact, he wasn't able to walk around too good until just after the war.  It must have been quite a tumble he took that night for the soldiers and, for that, the citizens of this country owe him a debt that could never be paid. 

Thank you, Mr. Levich!

Khan Manka, Jr. - Chairman & CEO - Manka Bros. Studios