D-Day
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sixty-five years ago today, 150,000 Allied soldiers landed at Normandy and began the liberation of Nazi occupied France. About 10,000 were wounded or captured, including about 6,600 American GIs. 1,465 Americans paid the ultimate price for freedom. I encourage all of us to take at least a moment today to remember those, both living and dead, of the Greatest Generation who fought to save the world. If you know a veteran, be sure to thank them for their service and their sacrifice.
Letter from Gen. Eisenhower to the soldiers:
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 the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security to yourselves 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 tidehas 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.
HT: BBC Read more...
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