Sacrifice then…let us continue the fight for freedom

Today is a day that will live in history and always be known for the great sacrifice of so many for the cause of freedom and justice. June 6, 1944 was the day of the “D-Day” invasion of Europe in 1944. Known as Operation Overload it was cloaked in secrecy and

Today the Allied flag still fly in memory.

various rumors were spread to mislead the enemy as to when the attack would take place. General Eisenhower had originally chosen June 5 for the invasion but bad weather made that impossible, so they moved forward as weather cleared on June 6. It was the largest amphibious attack in history and some 156,000 plus troops from Great Britain, Canada and the United States landed on various beaches. When I visited Normandy, I realized how great the coordination had to have been to attack simultaneously the different beaches. The British and Canadians captured beaches code named Gold, Juno and Sword. The Americans captured Utah Beach but faced heavy resistance on Omaha Beach where over 2,000 Americans died. Some historians estimate that more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing.

Today it is beautiful and serene, but that day the beaches were covered with barbed wire and obstacles to stop the troops from landing.

By the day’s end, some 156,000 troops had landed successfully and led what is thought to be ‘the beginning of the end for Germany’. By the end of August, northern France had been liberated and by the Spring of 1945 the Germans were defeated. The coordinated efforts of all the commanders were lead by General Dwight D Eisenhower. They successfully adapted and overcame to defeat the enemy.

The Rangers attacked under heavy fire from the Germany guns in these bunkers on top of the cliff.

This beautiful beach cliff was the setting of the American Rangers’ attack that morning.

As we ponder this day in history, let us give thanks to those who gave their lives and those who fought bravely in the face of grave danger and survived. Thank you to those who came home and lived lives of honor and courage after having experienced the horrors of war and to those who did not return.

Normandy, a place of remembrance. Let us remember their sacrifice for our freedom and not take it lightly as the cost was great.