Seventy-six years ago today (2020) the U.S. military landed on the beaches of Normandy, France to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II. The liberation of Europe from Nazi control was the beginning of the end of Hitler’s rule.
Let’s remember a time when men rallied around an idea that would free all humankind from a tyrant who intended to eliminate a complete set of people and terrorize those that stood in his way…
Close your eyes and picture the scene. It is the morning of June 5, 1944, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower gives orders to begin Operation Overlord. This operation would come to be known as the largest amphibious military operation in history. General Eisenhower orders 6000 landing craft, ships and other vessels to transport 176,000 troops to begin its descent on the beaches of Normandy. Throughout the night 822 aircraft along with an additional 13,000 aircraft headed for Normandy where parachutists jumped to their possible deaths. By early morning 18,000 parachutists were already on the ground. The landing was the beginning of what would become one of the most talked-about battles in history. By day’s end, 155,000 Allied troops would successfully storm the beach, though 2000 lives would be lost at Omaha Beach.
The battle may not have gone as planned the Allies, however, by the end of June could pose 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy where they began the march across Europe.
This story and many others will be told throughout history. Most will never tire of hearing the tale of good winning over evil. This scene along with countless others will be the light we hold in our hearts. It is the sacrifice of men, young and old who gave their lives so others would be free from such tyranny.
The story may be 76 years old but the hope is still strong today. It stands the test of time and serves as a reminder to all that the pursuit of happiness comes at a price. The cost of life and limb is a high price to pay, yet men will continue to sacrifice their precious lives for the idea and hope that all humanity can live together in peace. So today and every day of my life I salute you. I salute all those that sacrifice their time and their life to keep us safe and deliver a message of peace throughout the world. Today I repeat the words that have been sung throughout the ages, “Let Freedom Ring”. Photo by Fischer Twins on UnsplashFair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo.