June 6th… In the dark days of WWII, with half of Europe overrun by The Axis Powers. America was attacked at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. We declared a unanimously supported declaration of war. Our forces were marshalled and staged to enter the European conflict as it now became essential to turn the tide that had overtaken so many nations.
The unprovoked attack and devastation prompted thousands to enlist in the Armed forces of the day. “A day that will live in infamy”, it was termed. Our armed forces started preparing both men and equipment for the coming conflicts. Many unsung heroes from this day and who helped gather intelligence behind enemy lines are often forgotten to the pages of history. Thousands of our troops of all branch’s of service staged in some of the only places of freedom holding out in Great Britain.
After careful consideration by a team of cabinet advisors F. D. Roosevelt made the fateful decision to launch an offensive the size of which had not been seen at that time. Operation Overlord or D-day as it became known. Men, ships, tanks, amphibious landing craft, and a supply train of support had to both breech the outer defenses of the Atlantic Wall, envisioned by Hitler and Rommel. Our brave soldiers were joined by Troops from Britain, France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Czechoslovakia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland, stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. 156,000 Allied troops made up the the landing by sea and air on five beachheads along the coast. Separate assault teams made perilous landings by both parachute and gliders in the dark of night to sabotage, and capture vital supply lines and bridges before the main landings on the beaches.
On June 6th we celebrate the freedoms so hard won in battles in this and other conflicts. Their bravery and sacrifices are why so many do not speak only one language. In todays world we hear a lot if talk about Diversity. These souls took a stand so we can celebrate our differences. As we look at the world today it is important to remember the lessons taught by the experiences of history. The rights and freedoms we so often take advantage of have been hard won by the sacrifices of those who have stood up for them both at home and abroad. While there are very few WWII Veteran’s still out there they have earned the respect and deference afforded them. They fought so we could live in freedom and peace.
Today we honor our heroes and I also give thanks as we celebrate a long list of holidays devoted to these ideals that a 3 day weekend for things like Memorial Day or 4th of July are not just about our backyard BBQ. These lessons need to be passed on to future generations as well. Places like Korea, Vietnam, Afganastan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and a long list of others (that I cannot remember at the moment), means we are still searching for fairness and peace. One day I hope Diplomacy will be enough to achieve this but until that day arrives we must be ready and willing to maintain these freedoms we enjoy. Are you wiling to stand up for these freedoms?
by 20th Century Fox
This was one of my dads Favorite movies. Every time I watch I remember him. He wasn’t in WWII but he taught me to appreciate the service and sacrifice spent this day. Starring Henry Fonda, John Wayne , Richard Burton, Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Robert Mitchum, Richard Beymer, Robert Ryan, Jean-Louis Barrault, Arletty, Hans Christian Blech, Bourvil, Arletty Albert, Robert Wagner, Red Buttons , Sean Connery
- For more information on both the 75th Anniversary and D – Day itself I’ve included the links below. I do not own, contribute, or responsibility to the information they share.
- 75 Years a D Day Anniversary
- D-Day Landings
- D Day World Events 2019