06/06/2026
June 6th 1944 these brave young men, some only 17 years old; seasick and terrified waded off into the jaws of death to rid the world of an evil never seen before in history. By the end of the day, the landing sites were secured at the cost of 2500 US, 1750 British, and 370 Canadian killed. Scores more were wounded and all who survived beared the emotional damage of seeing their friends and comrades killed and mangled for a lifetime. To all who took part in the largest sea borne invasion in the history of the world and all those who served and have ever served I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s your sacrifices that keep us safe and free at home. God bless you all.
I leave you with some of the last words many of these young men ever heard.
Gen. Dwight Eisenhower,
“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 hope 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 N**i 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 N**i triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations1 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 beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
