Surely, in the dawn before any theatre action, so much must run thru the minds of our warriors. The scale of D-Day is humbling, and much is captured in this video on the Army’s website. Visit the page for more photos, maps and historic data on the June 6th, 1944 airborne and beach assaults on Omaha, Utah, Gold and June Beaches by American, British and Canadian forces.
Again from the US Army’s webpage on D-Day, a General’s message to his troops. The page has a link to the audio. Below, the transcript.
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a 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 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 blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
— Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
Lastly, a page of tributes and news articles guaranteed to touch your heart the Army’s “news” page.
Medic honors grandfather’s legacy on Normandy beach
June 5, 2009 – By: Sgt. Fay ConroyNormandy residents show servicememebers supporting D-Day anniversary some hometown hospitality
June 5, 2009 – By: Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss, 435th Air Base Wing Public AffairsD-Day commentary: Values bind servicememebers together across span of time
June 4, 2009 – By: Spc. Adrienne Killingsworth, 18th Military Police Brigade Public Affairs OfficeBrussels Soldiers meet D-Day veterans
June 4, 2009 – By: Thad Moyseowicz, U.S. Army Garrison Brussels Public AffairsStryker sergeants relive history by recreating image of Soldiers taken on D-Day
June 4, 2009 – By: Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss, 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs OfficeChance meeting brings cavalry sergeant face-to-face with D-Day veteran
June 4, 2009 – By: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael VossAirborne museum houses one-of-a-kind artifacts that honor historic jump during D-Day invasion
June 3, 2009 – By: Sgt. Fay Conroy, 21st Theater Sustainment Command Public AffairsSoldiers, Sailors, Airmen living and working together to support 65th anniversary of D-Day
June 3, 2009 – By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Chris HenryChurch tower, windows pay tribute to paratroopers who jumped into first town liberated during World War II
June 2, 2009 – By: Sgt. Fay ConroySoldiers prep to support D-Day ceremonies for 65th anniversary of invasion
June 1, 2009 – By: Spc. Adrienne Killingsworth
Vietnam era Navy wife, indy/conservative, and an official California escapee now residing as a red speck in the sea of Oregon blue.
