Eighty years ago on June 6th Allied forces set off from England for an invasion that would change the outcome of World War II. We know it as D-Day. It was a day of immense courage. The success of the operation came at the cost of great loss.
This coming weekend is Memorial Day, a time when we remember those who are buried beneath those rows of crosses on Normandy Beach, those rows of markers at Arlington National Cemetery, gravesites around the country and around the world that mark a life that was sacrificed.
As I thought about what I might say in “Young Thoughts” I remembered D-Day. My Uncle Glenn was part of the subsequent landings on those beaches. As a Military Police one of his jobs would have been to make order out of the chaos, to see that the dead were respectfully removed from where they fell and were buried.
The evening of the launch, General Eisenhower addressed the young men, suited up and as ready to go as they would ever be. All those soldiers had lives they could have been living, families with whom they could be present. Remembering D-Day 80 years ago and commemorating all those who sacrificed their lives in service of their country, here is what General Eisenhower had to say:
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
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 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 beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Rev. Clara
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