Whether depicted in film, portrayed through wartime photographs or read about in history books, the horror, and ultimate victory, of D-Day can never be forgotten.
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It’s amazing to look back and see the mindset of a nation at war where the outcome and possible stability of the world was truly unknown. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the invasion to the world with a prayer, and also issued personally inscribed Bibles to the soldiers taking part in the invasion.
WATCH:
The day prior to D-Day, Bibles were handed out to troops that included this inscription from Roosevelt: “As Commander-in-Chief, I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the armed forces of the United States.” pic.twitter.com/ZPMOi5X1hE
— Museum of the Bible (@museumofBible) June 6, 2018
On June 6, 1944, thousands upon thousands of troops piled onto Normandy’s beaches to mount a monumental offensive that wrangled back control of the war from Hitler’s Nazi Germany. It was savage and bloody affair, with over 10,000 Allied casualties. The Germans utilized various mines on the beach and bombarded the troops with artillery and machine-gun fire. Incredibly, the Allied forces prevailed.
Through the heroism and sacrifice of our brave soldiers, the course of history was transformed. “Operation Overlord” marked a turning of the tide in the wider war. Had it not been for the bravery of those men, the darkness and death of the Nazi regime would have enveloped the entire continent of Europe. This staggeringly critical operation began the liberation of German-occupied northwestern Europe from Hitler’s grip and laid the groundwork for an Allied victory on the Western Front.
So, today, on the 74th anniversary of this momentous day, we salute those who laid down their lives for our freedom.
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D-Day also became a war of technology, with the state-of-the-art, iconic landing crafts being capable of ferrying war-ready troops right onto the beach. The boats’ hull was named after the inventor, Andrew Higgins. This was the same man Dwight D. Eisenhower once credited with winning World War II, according to Michael Rosenwald at The Washington Post.
But it was the bravery and stoicism of the courageous soldiers that won the battle on D-Day and who thrust forward the Allied offensive to push back the evil of the Nazi regime and ultimately reign victorious in World War Two. Let’s remember them today.
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There is no doubt, also, that the Lord was with them at each and every moment on that crucial day. Indeed, with the enormous offensive ready to launch, King of England Geroge VI called on his people to pray. “At this historic moment surely not one of us is too busy, too young, or too old to play a part in a nation-wide, perchance a world-wide vigil of prayer as the great crusade sets forth,” he said in an address on June 6, 1944.
On June 6, 1944, 160,000+ Allied troops landed at #Normandy, a heavily fortified stretch of French coastline to initiate #DDay. More than 10,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded, but by day's end, the Allies had begun liberating Europe. #DDay74 #TodayinHistory pic.twitter.com/3WHRYURA4d
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) June 6, 2018
General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a stirring address to the troops before they embarked on the treacherous mission. Read the transcript of his iconic remarks below:
“Soldiers, 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 hopes 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 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 all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
An amazing day in history, one (along with many others) that we should be eternally grateful for the brave men and women who served to make sure the world was safe from tyranny.