Today, June 6, marks the 79th anniversary of D-Day when the Allies invaded Normandy Beach. These celebrations are becoming more significant because it’s the last time that many of those still alive who fought will be able to attend.
D-Day was part of Operation Overlord—a plan by Allied forces to invade Western Europe through France and Luxembourg on June 6, 1944. The invasion force included over 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 Allied personnel. The Allies knew they could defeat Germany if they were successful at Normandy.
Remembering Those Who Gave Their Lives
Thousands of Allied soldiers were killed or wounded during this battle; however, they ultimately drove back German troops defending France’s coastline.
We honor them and their sacrifice, remembering that war is not glorious but tragic and sad. We must also remember what these brave men did for us.
The numbers are staggering. Over 9000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded on D-Day alone, not including those who died later from their injuries. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans states that roughly 15 million troops succumbed during World War II, with an additional approximately 25 million wounded. Worldwide civilian deaths are estimated to be over 45 million people.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau Report Number ACS-43: Those Who Served: America’s Veterans From World War II to the War on Terror, dated June 2020, there are fewer than 500,000 WWII veterans still alive today, down from 5.7 million in 2000.
Their Sacrifice Made Us Free
It’s important to remember and honor those who gave their lives so we could be free. By recalling the small details of people you know or loved ones who have passed on, you are keeping them close in your heart and mind, a wonderful way to honor them. Taking the time to visit memorials and hearing stories about them is a touching way to honor their memories.
We commemorate D-Day to show gratitude to the heroic soldiers who defended our freedom. We owe them so much more than we can ever repay, but by remembering their sacrifice each year as it passes by, we can at least try.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/73/1864/186473/content/harvest/186473-00763/00763_2003_001_AC.jpgSUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCESoldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
