On this date sixty-nine years ago, thousands of Allied forces came ashore at the Normandy beachhead in France, beginning the final push toward the destruction of Adolph Hitler's war machine. The impact was heard around the world and millions prayed that these brave souls would be successful in their task. Failure would have ushered in a world of evil and terror and the American experience would have been in vain.
Under the leadership of General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Supreme Commander, Allied Powers Europe, combat forces were dispatched on land, sea and air to accomplish the seemingly impossible task. The weather was bad and the seas were rough, but it could not be delayed any longer.
Many brave military personnel from the United States, Britain, Canada, with intelligence and undercover support from the Free French, died on that first day, many before even stepping foot on land. For a long time during that day it looked as if the assault would be turned back but, ultimately, they persevered and conquered the cliffs, driving the Germans back from their sea defenses.
This was the beginning of a bloody and costly offensive effort that would last for eleven months, culminating in Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945. It was a difficult time in history in which America proved her world leadership and her willingness to do the difficult and dangerous work to save eliminate the eliminate the scourge of tyranny and maintain freedom in the world.
Today I am sad to say that many of us, particularly young people, don't even recognize the date. Schools don't provide much instruction in American history these days and as a result many don't recognize the sacrifice that so many made on that day, and many others, to end the Reich. I personally find this a travesty, as is the lack of knowledge about the many Americans who have paid dearly for so many years and in so many places that we might live free.
So on this day, in memory of these heroes and all who were there with them, I ask parents, grandparents, teachers, preachers and anyone else who might be so inclined to spend a few moments with someone who is unaware of the significance of this day. Tell them the story of what happened on that day and what so many did to allow them to grow up free. And then spend a moment of silence commemorating what they were willing to do.
Freedom isn't free and the least we can do is remember these members of the Greatest Generation. God bless their souls and God bless America, and let us always keep our guard up so that tyranny from any source and directed at anyone never takes hold of America. We are the beacon of light for the world.
Under the leadership of General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Supreme Commander, Allied Powers Europe, combat forces were dispatched on land, sea and air to accomplish the seemingly impossible task. The weather was bad and the seas were rough, but it could not be delayed any longer.
Many brave military personnel from the United States, Britain, Canada, with intelligence and undercover support from the Free French, died on that first day, many before even stepping foot on land. For a long time during that day it looked as if the assault would be turned back but, ultimately, they persevered and conquered the cliffs, driving the Germans back from their sea defenses.
This was the beginning of a bloody and costly offensive effort that would last for eleven months, culminating in Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945. It was a difficult time in history in which America proved her world leadership and her willingness to do the difficult and dangerous work to save eliminate the eliminate the scourge of tyranny and maintain freedom in the world.
Today I am sad to say that many of us, particularly young people, don't even recognize the date. Schools don't provide much instruction in American history these days and as a result many don't recognize the sacrifice that so many made on that day, and many others, to end the Reich. I personally find this a travesty, as is the lack of knowledge about the many Americans who have paid dearly for so many years and in so many places that we might live free.
So on this day, in memory of these heroes and all who were there with them, I ask parents, grandparents, teachers, preachers and anyone else who might be so inclined to spend a few moments with someone who is unaware of the significance of this day. Tell them the story of what happened on that day and what so many did to allow them to grow up free. And then spend a moment of silence commemorating what they were willing to do.
Freedom isn't free and the least we can do is remember these members of the Greatest Generation. God bless their souls and God bless America, and let us always keep our guard up so that tyranny from any source and directed at anyone never takes hold of America. We are the beacon of light for the world.
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